Evaluation of a Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Animal Model to Train Graduate Advanced Practice Nursing Students in the Performance of Ultrasound-Guided Central Line Catheter Insertion

Abstract

Introduction Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion (UGCVC) is a commonly performed procedure taught through simulation. The aims of the study were to examine the utilization of an animal model and compare it with two currently used Blue Phantom central line models to determine whether an animal model provides good or better simulated conditions for the performance of UGCVC insertion. Methods Using a randomized cross-over study, 46 advanced practice nursing students were assessed using a task-specific performance tool in their performance of UGCVC insertion on both the animal model and the Blue Phantom models. The number of insertion attempts and time to performance was recorded. A preprocedure survey was used to ascertain their presimulation workshop experience, followed by a postprocedure survey. A cost comparison was completed as a secondary outcome. Results A comparison was conducted on the performance scores and the postsurvey results between the animal model and the Blue Phantom models. The number of venous access attempts was not significantly different when comparing the three models. A cost comparison showed the total cost of each animal model was US $15.66 as compared with the approximate cost for the Blue Phantom IJ model of US $1500.00 and the Gen I model of US $2700.00. Conclusions Current Blue Phantom models lack the ability to fully perform all the necessary steps critical to the performance of UGCVC insertion. At a total cost of US $15.66 per model, this study showed that training with an alternative economical model was comparable with more expensive mannequin simulators. The results of this study may serve to guide clinicians and educators who are seeking alternative simulation models to provide skill acquisition.

The Impact of the Fidelity of Simulation on Medical Undergraduate Education: A Meta-Analysis

“…In terms of economy, the cost and price of high-delity simulators are much higher than those of low-delity simulators [22]. This leads to the low cost performance of high-delity simulators in medical undergraduate education.…”

Simulation and Modeling Applications in Global Health Security

“…While learners may prefer life tissue training over simulation there is been no difference in performance between learners training simulators versus live tissue models [67]. There is also the cost of the life of an animal to consider and labor to prepare animal models which is increased over synthetic models [68]. Current initiatives in development of more realistic synthetic manikins include creating common open standards for hardware so the manufacturers and developers can create unique equipment tools which could be implemented on any manikin [69].…”

“…Simulation exercises have been identified as a key component in the validation of core capacities under the IHR monitoring and evaluation framework. They play a key role in identifying the strengths and gaps in the development and implementation of preparedness and response measures [68,92,93].…”

Ultrasound-guided pediatric vascular cannulation by inexperienced operators: outcomes in a training model

“…However, such an approach requires a training process, which should ideally be completed in simulation models. Simulation models artificially reproduce conditions that may be encountered in the real world, thus allowing operators to train and acquire the necessary skills to perform a novel medical procedure [16][17][18]. Simulation models: (a) help improve the quality of patient assistance, especially with techniques that are not free of risks or complications; (b) reduce the stress associated to the use of a novel technique directly on patients; and (c) may be used as many times as the model is reproduced, helping solve problems that may emerge during in vivo application of the technique [19,20].…”

“…Simulation models: (a) help improve the quality of patient assistance, especially with techniques that are not free of risks or complications; (b) reduce the stress associated to the use of a novel technique directly on patients; and (c) may be used as many times as the model is reproduced, helping solve problems that may emerge during in vivo application of the technique [19,20]. Ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation (UGVC) training programs facilitate the acquisition of basic knowledge on vascular ultrasound and its practical applications, and are generally carried out with simulation models [16,17]. The skills and abilities acquired with a model diminish the learning curve associated to the implantation of any technique [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”