Value of artisanal simulators to train veterinary students in performing invasive ultrasound-guided procedures

Abstract

Pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, which endangers an animal's life. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is used to remove abnormal liquid; however, it requires technical expertise. In veterinary medical education, the opportunity to teach this procedure to save lives during emergencies is rare; therefore, simulators are recommended for this practice. The present study aimed to create a model that can be made "at home" at low cost for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis training and to gather feedback about this model through questionnaires given to the participants. Eighteen professionals and thirty-six students were introduced to the simulator in pairs. After the simulation training session, participants filled out the questionnaire. Participants considered the model strong in the following areas: visualization of the pericardium, the heart, fluid in the pericardium, and fluid decrease during fictitious pericardiocentesis and its realism. They considered the model weak or moderate in the following areas: visualization of the surrounding tissues, difficulty of pericardial puncture, and visualization of the catheter. The professionals classified the realism of the experimental heart as moderate, whereas the undergraduate students classified it as strong. All participants believed that the experimental model could be useful in preparing for a future real situation. This model fulfills the need for a practical, realistic, and cost-effective model for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis training.

Value of artisanal simulators to teach ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy using a tru-cut needle for veterinary and medical students

“…Close-ended questions were answered using a visual analog scale system: the student specified the level of agreement with a statement by placing an X along a continuous 10-cm line between two end points. On each end-point of the scale, key words described the extreme values of the evaluated item (1,4). The words used were chosen to avoid misunderstandings, and an example question was provided to make the questionnaire easier to understand.…”

“…Students described the model as realistic and reported that the experience prepared them to perform in vivo procedures. The authors mentioned that the participants could become familiar with the pericardiocentesis technique in a controlled and stress-free environment (4).…”

Evaluación de un simulador artesanal veterinario para entrenamiento de punción eco-guiada

“…El desarrollo de experiencia técnica en procedimientos médicos es extremadamente importante para los profesionales del área de cuidados agudos y críticos, sin embargo, las oportunidades para ganar experiencia en el manejo de procedimientos críticos para salvar vidas en los cuidados de emergencias dependen de la oportunidad (Hage et al, 2016).…”

A Novel Low‐Cost Ultrasound‐Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulation Model: Demonstration of Feasibility

“…In an effort to diminish some of the associated cost with these models, there have been recent published reports on “home‐built” models that are not only constructed with readily available materials but also appear to be more cost‐effective. These models traditionally rely on the use of either gel wax‐ or gelatin‐based molds, which often require a minimum of several hours for the mold to be constructed …”

“…These models traditionally rely on the use of either gel wax-or gelatinbased molds, which often require a minimum of several hours for the mold to be constructed. [13][14][15] We created a novel US-guided pericardiocentesis model that does not rely on a gel wax-or a gelatin-based mold for model preparation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel, limited-use, low-cost pericardiocentesis model as a training tool for emergency physicians.…”