BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided regional anesthesia is widely taught using task trainer models. Commercially available models are often used; however, they can be cost prohibitive. Therefore, alternative "homemade" models with similar fidelity are often used. We hypothesize that professional task trainers will be preferred over homemade models. The purpose of this study is to determine realism, durability and cleanliness of three different task trainers for ultrasound guided nerve blocks. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study using a convenience sample of medical student participants in an ultrasound guided nerve block training session on January 24th, 2015. Participants were asked to perform simulated nerve blocks on three different task trainers including, 1 commercial and 2 homemade. A questionnaire was then given to all participants to rate their experiences both with and without the knowledge on the cost of the simulator device. RESULTS: Data was collected from 25 participants. The Blue Phantom model was found to have the highest fidelity. Initially, 10 (40%) of the participants preferred the Blue Phantom model, while 10 (40%) preferred the homemade gelatin model and 5 (20%) preferred the homemade tofu model. After cost awareness, the majority, 18 (72%) preferred the gelatin model. CONCLUSION: The Blue Phantom model was thought to have the highest fidelity, but after cost consideration the homemade gelatin model was preferred.
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided regional anesthesia is widely taught using task trainer models. Commercially available models are often used; however, they can be cost prohibitive. Therefore, alternative "homemade" models with similar fidelity are often used. We hypothesize that professional task trainers will be preferred over homemade models. The purpose of this study is to determine realism, durability and cleanliness of three different task trainers for ultrasound guided nerve blocks. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study using a convenience sample of medical student participants in an ultrasound guided nerve block training session on January 24th, 2015. Participants were asked to perform simulated nerve blocks on three different task trainers including, 1 commercial and 2 homemade. A questionnaire was then given to all participants to rate their experiences both with and without the knowledge on the cost of the simulator device. RESULTS: Data was collected from 25 participants. The Blue Phantom model was found to have the highest fidelity. Initially, 10 (40%) of the participants preferred the Blue Phantom model, while 10 (40%) preferred the homemade gelatin model and 5 (20%) preferred the homemade tofu model. After cost awareness, the majority, 18 (72%) preferred the gelatin model. CONCLUSION: The Blue Phantom model was thought to have the highest fidelity, but after cost consideration the homemade gelatin model was preferred.
Authors: Catherine M Nix; Clarita B Margarido; Imad T Awad; Arsenio Avila; Jeffrey J H Cheung; Adam Dubrowski; Colin J L McCartney Journal: Reg Anesth Pain Med Date: 2013 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 6.288
Authors: Varun Cheruparambath; Sriram Sampath; Lakshmikanthan N Deshikar; Haji Mohammed Ismail; Krishna Bhuvana Journal: Indian J Crit Care Med Date: 2012-07
Authors: M Fernanda Bellolio; Waqas I Gilani; Patricia Barrionuevo; M Hassan Murad; Patricia J Erwin; Joel R Anderson; James R Miner; Erik P Hess Journal: Acad Emerg Med Date: 2016-01-22 Impact factor: 3.451
Authors: Joseph M Neal; Michael J Barrington; Richard Brull; Admir Hadzic; James R Hebl; Terese T Horlocker; Marc A Huntoon; Sandra L Kopp; James P Rathmell; James C Watson Journal: Reg Anesth Pain Med Date: 2015 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 6.288