Catheterisation trainer comes alive - a randomised study of a new wearable catheterisation trainer.

Abstract

This study describes an evaluation of a wearable prototype for urinary catheterisation training.

The prototype described in this study was developed in response to concerns about the limitations of existing commercial urinary catheterisation trainers. The authors saw an opportunity to address these problems through the development of a new wearable catheterisation trainer using a novel elastomeric polymer. The Griffith Enterprise Innovation Fund supported the project.Following creation of the prototype, a preliminary evaluation of its realism, ease of use and training attributes compared to current commercial trainers was undertaken. Second year medical students were invited to participate in the evaluation. Participants were randomised by coin-toss to practice with either the prototype first then an existing commercial part-task trainer or vice versa. They completed questionnaires before and after each practice session.105 students participated. Participants rated the prototype as being much more accurate in simulating performance of the procedure on a real patient (mean score 7.12 cm vs 3.90 cm on a 10cm visual analogue scale [VAS], p<0.0001) and their randomisation arm did not impact significantly on participants' ratings. Among 92 participants who offered an opinion on which better simulated the human dimensions of the procedure, 100% nominated the prototype.Other data collected and the participants' textual comments indicate that both better simulation of human tissues and the trainer’s wearability by a live simulated patient contributed to participants' preference for the prototype.

The prototype offers better simulation of urinary catheterisation in relation to both realism and the human dimensions of the procedure. The improved simulator offers the potential for students performing the procedure for the first time on hospital patients to be better prepared.