Effect of fatigue and alcohol on observer perception

A test series of chest radiographs containing pseudonodules was used to establish baseline sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for individual observers. This experiment studies the effect of fatigue (as subjectively measured) and alcohol (as measured by blood alcohol levels) on observer perception and performance. The results indicate that the fatigue encountered in the course of ordinary professional activities has no significant effect on diagnostic accuracy. Modest quantities of alcohol may adversely influence diagnostic sensitivity, but the effect is unpredictable. Subjective estimates of the influence of fatigue or alcohol on performance by individual observers are frequently erroneous.
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