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. 2006 May;21(5):514-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00440.x.

The use of tissue models for vascular access training. Phase I of the procedural patient safety initiative

Mark J Ault  1 , Bradley T Rosen, Brian Ault
Affiliations

The use of tissue models for vascular access training. Phase I of the procedural patient safety initiative

Mark J Ault et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2006 May.

Abstract

Introduction: Following the Institute of Medicine report "To Err is Human," the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality identified proper central venous catheter (CVC) insertion techniques and wide sterile barriers (WSB) as 2 major quality indicators for patient safety. However, no standard currently exists to teach proper procedural techniques to physicians.

Aim: To determine whether our nonhuman tissue model is an effective tool for teaching physicians proper wide sterile barrier technique, ultrasound guidance for CVC placement, and sharps safety.

Participants: Educational sessions were organized for physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Participants had a hands-on opportunity to practice procedural skills using a nonhuman tissue model, under the direct supervision of experienced proceduralists.

Program evaluation: An anonymous survey was distributed to participants both before and after training, measuring their reactions to all aspects of the educational sessions relative to their prior experience level.

Discussion: The sessions were rated highly worthwhile, and statistically significant improvements were seen in comfort levels with ultrasound-guided vascular access and WSB (P<.001). Given the revitalized importance of patient safety and the emphasis on reducing medical errors, further studies on the utility of nonhuman tissue models for procedural training should be enthusiastically pursued.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Nonhuman tissue model for procedural training.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ultrasound images of tissue model and human volunteer. Left image: simulated vessel in tissue model. Right image: carotid artery and internal jugular vein in a human volunteer.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comfort level with vascular access components. ◊/, ultrasound guidance—trainees; Δ/, ultrasound guidance—attendings; ▪/, wide sterile barriers—trainees; X/, wide sterile barriers— attendings (Po.002 for all categories).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Reactions to tissue model. Black, trainees; white, attendings; gray, all participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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