Measured task load in directed observers versus active participants undergoing high-fidelity simulation education in a critical care setting.

Objectives: The use of directed observers in high-fidelity simulation education is increasingly common. While evidence suggests similar educational outcomes for directed observers compared to active participants in technical skills, it remains uncertain if this benefit also exists for senior clinicians, especially in mental workload. We sought to compare the workload between active participants and directed observers using an objective measure.