Department of Anesthesia. University of Iowa. Spring 2011.

University of Iowa Department of Anesthesia newsletter

The effect of simulation-based training on initial performance of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade in a clinical setting – a pilot study

BACKGROUND: In preparing novice anesthesiologists to perform their first ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade, we hypothesized that virtual reality simulation-based training offers an additional learning benefit over standard training. We carried out pilot testing of this hypothesis using a prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: We planned to recruit 20 anesthesiologists who had no experience of performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Initial standardized training, reflecting current best available practice was provided to all participating trainees. Trainees were randomized into one of two groups; (i) to undertake additional simulation-based training or (ii) no further training. On completion of their assigned training, trainees attempted their first ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade. Two experts, blinded to the trainees’ group allocation, assessed the performance of trainees using validated tools. RESULTS: This study was discontinued following a planned interim analysis, having recruited 10 trainees. This occurred because it became clear that the functionality of the available simulator was insufficient to meet our training requirements. There were no statistically significant difference in clinical performance, as assessed using the sum of a Global Rating Score and a checklist score, between simulation-based training [mean 32.9 (standard deviation 11.1)] and control trainees [31.5 (4.2)] (p = 0.885). CONCLUSIONS: We have described a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of a simulator, during its development, by means of a randomized controlled trial. We believe that the learning acquired will be useful if performing future trials on learning efficacy associated with simulation based training in procedural skills. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01965314. Registered October 17th 2013

Edukacija temeljena na simulacijama regionalne anestezije

Simulation-based training is a technique, which uses technological devices to reproduce different clinical situations like in the real world. Procedures and simulation scenarios performed on simulators can be planned and repeated with no harm for the patient. Simulation-based training introduced new educational applications in medicine to improve patient safety. Simulation education was introduced in the anesthesia curriculum in 2017 as a first specialization in Slovenia.Simulacijska edukacija je tehnika koja koristi tehnološku opremu da ustvari različite kliničke situacije kao u stvarnim kliničnim uvjetima. Zahvati i različiti scenariji izvedeni na simulatorima se mogu planirati i ponavljati bez opasnosti za pacijenta. Simulacijsko učenje uvodi nove edukacijske metode u medicinu kako bi se unaprijedila sigurnost u tretmanu pacijenata. U slovenski kurikulum specijalizacije iz Anesteziologije,reanimatologije i perioperativne intenzivne medicine je simulacijsko učenje uvedeno godine 2017 kao prvo u Sloveniji

Cost-Effective Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Simulation

©2018 Official Publication of The Simulation Society (TSS), accredited by International Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound (ISCU). This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). For further information see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/This invited review article was presented orally on the occasion of the South West Asian Chapter conference of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) held in New Delhi, India in January 2018. It has an educational focus on the topic of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is increasingly being used as a lifesaving bridge therapy. A case is being made regarding the adage “practice makes perfect” to be considered in the context of simulation-based education to ensure patient safety. Technology-enhanced simulation-based deliberate practice should be used more commonly to support clinicians in the development of all their professional skills. This is an ethical imperative that may be addressed using low-cost simulation modalities that are sometimes proven to be as effective as more expensive approaches. Educators can now design their programs according to published best practice standards for the benefit of their learners, and ultimately the patients they care for. Simulation-based education clearly has a place and important role to play in preparing ECMO teams dealing with routine procedures as well as emergency situations. Several solution and approaches are being presented alongside innovative work currently being done in collaboration between a regional ELSO center of excellence and an academic institution. This innovative simulator is composed of several modules serving different functions required for the simulation of ECMO emergencies at a much lower cost than using the real machine and its various expensive disposable components.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Training Simulator Using Microsoft Kinect

We present a system for the interactive simulation of ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks using a Microsoft Kinect®. The system performs motion tracking of both the ultrasound probe and the nerve block needle. Software generates synthetic ultrasound images from previously captured ultrasound images. Details of the software elements in the system are described. Some of the current challenges and future work in this research are discussed