Umbilical catheterization training: Tissue hybrid versus synthetic trainer

Abstract

Background This study of umbilical catheterization deliberate practice training compared skill and knowledge outcomes of umbilical catheterization using a tissue‐hybrid simulator (REAL) versus a synthetic simulated umbilical cord task trainer (ART). Methods This was a prospective randomized control study. Pediatric residents were randomized to REAL or ART umbilical catheterization deliberate practice training. Pre–post‐training changes in skill performance and knowledge scores for REAL and ART groups were compared. Fidelity of REAL and ART were compared by neonatologists. Results Twenty‐seven pediatric residents completed training. Post‐training mean skill scores were improved compared to pre‐test scores (REAL, P < 0.001; ART, P < 0.0001). Post‐training skill, knowledge, and self‐efficacy scores were not different between the REAL and ART groups. Fidelity of REAL was higher than ART for neonatologists (P < 0.01). Conclusions The face validity of REAL was superior to ART, but resident umbilical cord deliberate practice training demonstrated no difference in skill, knowledge, and self‐efficacy improvements between REAL and ART. Further studies on real patients are needed to evaluate the impact of using real or simulated umbilical cords for umbilical venous catheter/umbilical arterial catheter training.

The Development of a Simulated Umbilical Line Insertion Model and Curriculum in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…Use of human umbilical cord tissue to teach UVC insertion has been described in the literature [6][7][8][9][10]. However, to our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to embed educational theory in the development and evaluation of a curriculum using real umbilical cords for UVC insertion teaching.…”

“…Teaching umbilical line placement with the use of real umbilical cords has been described [6][7][8][9][10]. However, to our knowledge, it has not been implemented with applied educational theory.…”

“…However, to our knowledge, it has not been implemented with applied educational theory. It has been suggested that the use of real umbilical cords for training is preferred over simulated umbilical cords given the higher fidelity [8], and face validity [9] of real tissue models. Pediatric residents may also prefer learning with real umbilical cord tissue [8,10].…”