An inexpensive, easily constructed, reusable task trainer for simulating ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis.
J Emerg Med
; 43(6): 1066-9, 2012 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21925818
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pericardiocentesis is a low-frequency, high-risk procedure integral to the practice of emergency medicine. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is the preferred technique for providing this critical intervention. Traditionally, emergency physicians learned pericardiocentesis in real time, at the bedside, on critically ill patients. Medical education is moving toward simulation for training and assessment of procedures such as pericardiocentesis because it allows learners to practice time-sensitive skills without risk to patient or learner. The retail market for models for pericardiocentesis practice is limited and expensive.DISCUSSION:
We have developed an ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis task trainer that allows the physician to insert a needle under ultrasound guidance, pierce the "pericardial sac" and aspirate "blood." Our model can be simply constructed in a home kitchen, and the overall preparation time is 1 h. Our model costs $20.00 (US, 2008). Materials needed for the construction include 16 ounces of plain gelatin, one large balloon, one golf ball, food coloring, non-stick cooking spray, one wooden cooking skewer, surgical iodine solution, and a 4-quart sized plastic food storage container. Refrigeration and a heat source for cooking are also required. Once prepared, the model is usable for 2 weeks at room temperature and may be preserved an additional week if refrigerated. When the model shows signs of wear, it can be easily remade, by simply recycling the existing materials.CONCLUSION:
The self-made model was well liked by training staff due to accessibility of a simulation model, and by learners of the technique as they felt more at ease performing pericardiocentesis on a live patient.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Teaching Materials
/
Ultrasonography, Interventional
/
Pericardiocentesis
/
Emergency Medicine
/
Internship and Residency
/
Models, Anatomic
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Emerg Med
Journal subject:
MEDICINA DE EMERGENCIA
Year:
2012
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States