Validity evidence of a task trainer for normal and difficult lumbar puncture

Abstract

Validation of the anatomically complex configurations of the Lumbar Puncture Simulator II (KYOTO KAGAKU CO., LTD., 15 Kitanekoya-cho Fushimi-ku Kyoto, Japan 612-8388) have not been reported. Previous validation of the normal anatomic configuration has been reported. This study aims to evaluate evidence for construct and content validity of 4 interchangeable lumbar puncture (LP) complex anatomic configurations of this simulator. We performed a cross-sectional study between April 2018 and May 2019. Novice volunteer medical students and expert physicians who had performed over 30 LP procedures performed sequential LP procedures on each of 4 simulated interchangeable anatomic LP puncture blocks (normal, obesity, geriatric, combined geriatric/obesity). Primary outcome measures compared between groups for each LP procedure were return of cerebrospinal fluid within 5 minutes and a calculated performance score. Subjective face validity and content validity 5-point Likert questionnaires were completed by participants. 35 novice (n = 19) and expert (n = 16) subjects completed 140 procedures. Significant differences were found between novice and expert groups for both cerebrospinal fluid success rates and performance scores for normal ( P = .001/ P = .001) geriatric ( P = .005/ P = .002) and obesity ( P = .003/ P = < .001) configurations. There were no differences for the geriatric/obesity configuration. Expert median score of simulator realism (face validity) was 4 (range 3–4); median score of utility as a training tool (content validity) was 4 (range 4–5). We provide evidence for construct validity for each of the complex LP configurations, except combined geriatric/obesity. Expert physicians found the simulator sufficiently realistic to effectively teach LP skills.

Attitudes and Practices of Lumbar Puncture among Students, Interns, and Residents of the Pediatric Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Oujda, Morocco

“…Simulation technology using lumbar puncture simulators is effective in improving operator education and experience in technical gestures such as the case of LP practice [9] [10]. It has been reported to improve students' theoretical knowledge and autonomy, as well as their success rate and confidence in performing LP [10]. However, while simulation is becoming a necessary part of medical learning and study, it is far more resource-intensive than traditional learning [7].…”

Using virtual reality in lumbar puncture training improves students learning experience

“…Simulation technology using LP simulators has shown efficiency in improving teaching and operator experience in technical gestures and has been developed in LP [ 8 – 11 ]. It was reported to improve students theoretical knowledge and confidence levels in performing LP, and improved the success rate and the autonomy of the students [ 8 ].…”