The physiological demand of a task simulation varies when developed by independent groups of experiential experts

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the disparity in the specification and physiological demand of a task simulation when developed by two independent panels of experiential experts. DesignIndependent groups design. MethodsTwo groups of experiential experts from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) worked independently to design, and then complete a simulation of a generic occupational task; the establishment of a security control point. Task duration, oxygen consumption, and cardiac frequency were measured whilst each panel completed the task simulation. Maximal acceptable work duration (MAWD) and the percentage of MAWD (%MAWD) were also calculated. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences (P < 0.05) between the measured variables. ResultsNo differences were observed in the average oxygen consumption (1.26 ± 0.25 L min−1 and 1.28 ± 0.29 L min−1 respectively; P = 0.84), or cardiac frequency (134 ± 16.4 beats·min−1 and 125 ± 8.5 beats·min−1 respectively; P = 0.12) between Panel 1 and Panel 2. However, there was a significant difference between panels with respect to task duration (Panel 1: 15.5 ± 3.68 min; Panel 2: 34.20 ± 9.60 min; P < 0.01), and the %MAWD (Panel 1: 5.32 ± 3.17%, Panel 2: 12.15 ± 9.40%, P = 0.04). ConclusionsThe physiological demand of a task simulation is dependent upon the group of experts consulted to develop the simulation. It is critical that input from a wide representation of experiential experts is considered when developing task simulations to avoid bias towards the perceptions of the experts consulted.