Rapid Competency in NIR ‐Based Neuroimaging: Training Non‐Experts for Head Trauma Triage

ABSTRACT

Portable near‐infrared (NIR) brain imaging may support point‐of‐care triage when computed tomography (CT) is unavailable or delayed, but its practical value depends on whether novice, non‐specialist operators can use the device quickly and maintain scan quality after brief training. Thirty‐two right‐handed adults with no prior NIR experience received a brief standardized training session of approximately 2 min on the ArcheOptix NIRD device, which detects intracranial hemorrhage by tracking hemoglobin absorption during guided scalp scans. Operators then completed two full‐head scans on a healthy volunteer: an initial competency assessment and a follow‐up assessment after 1 day without refresher training. Performance metrics included total scan time, repeat scans prompted by loss of contact or light leaks, and mean scanpath time as an index of handling efficiency and consistency. Scan quality was evaluated using loss of probe contact and noise during acquisition. User experience was measured after each scan with the 10‐item System Usability Scale. All operators completed both sessions. Median performance improved from the initial to the follow‐up assessment, with total scan time decreasing from 5 min 27 s to 2 min 53 s. The proportion of excellent scans completed in under 5 min increased from 50% to 84%, while poor scans taking more than 10 min fell to zero. Repeat scans declined from 38 to 24, and mean scanpath time shortened while becoming more consistent. Lift on dark and Noise on dark remained stable, indicating no degradation in signal quality as operators worked faster. System Usability Scale scores improved from 69.4 to 76.5, reflecting greater perceived ease of use and confidence. After minimal training, novice operators achieved rapid and reliable NIR scans with faster performance, fewer repeat scans, stable signal quality, and improved usability ratings, supporting the feasibility of rapid training and operation of portable NIR devices in emergency, sideline, and remote head trauma settings.