Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners

Abstract Background Utilising ultrasound technology has resulted in higher success and lower complication rates during regional anaesthesia (RA) procedures. Proper training is necessary to accurately identify structures, optimise images, and improve hand–eye coordination. Simulation training using i...

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Main Authors: Mohammad Nizam Mokhtar, Siti Aisyah Suhaini, Weng Ken Chan, Iskandar Khalid, Kok Wang Tan, Angelina Chia Chia Lim, Maryam Budiman, Afifah Samsudin, Asmah Azizeh, Vimal Varma Spor Madiman, Azarinah Izaham
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-11-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06361-7
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author Mohammad Nizam Mokhtar
Siti Aisyah Suhaini
Weng Ken Chan
Iskandar Khalid
Kok Wang Tan
Angelina Chia Chia Lim
Maryam Budiman
Afifah Samsudin
Asmah Azizeh
Vimal Varma Spor Madiman
Azarinah Izaham
author_facet Mohammad Nizam Mokhtar
Siti Aisyah Suhaini
Weng Ken Chan
Iskandar Khalid
Kok Wang Tan
Angelina Chia Chia Lim
Maryam Budiman
Afifah Samsudin
Asmah Azizeh
Vimal Varma Spor Madiman
Azarinah Izaham
author_sort Mohammad Nizam Mokhtar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Utilising ultrasound technology has resulted in higher success and lower complication rates during regional anaesthesia (RA) procedures. Proper training is necessary to accurately identify structures, optimise images, and improve hand–eye coordination. Simulation training using immersive virtual environments and simulation models has enabled this competency training to be conducted safely before performing on patients. We conducted a study to compare the simulator performance and users’ feedback on a Blue Phantom Regional Anaesthesia Ultrasound Training Block and NeedleTrainer™. Methods Forty-seven participants were recruited via convenient sampling during a RA workshop for novice practitioners. They were divided into the N or B group and then crossover to experience using both Blue Phantom and NeedleTrainer model. Time-to-reach-target, first-pass success rate, and complication rate were assessed, while the learning and confidence scores were rated using six-item and three-item questionnaires, respectively, via a 5-point Likert scale. Results Blue Phantom model has a longer time-to-target as compared to the NeedleTrainer model (16 ± 8 vs 8 ± 3 s, p < 0.001), higher first- pass success rate (100% vs 80.9%), and lower complication rate (0% vs 19.1%). Higher overall learning satisfaction scores (28 ± 4 vs 25 ± 4, p = 0.003) and confidence scores after training (13 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2, p < 0.001) were recorded for the Blue Phantom model. Conclusions We postulated that the artificial intelligence structure recognition software enables NeedleTrainer users to attain shorter time-to-target. That being said, Blue Phantom provides better operator learning satisfaction, improved confidence, higher success and lower complication rates among novice RA practitioners, possibly due to greater tactile feedback during the simulated training.
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spelling doaj-art-ea8b085ebb27499599744027d9ff490e2025-08-20T02:33:00ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202024-11-012411910.1186/s12909-024-06361-7Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitionersMohammad Nizam Mokhtar0Siti Aisyah Suhaini1Weng Ken Chan2Iskandar Khalid3Kok Wang Tan4Angelina Chia Chia Lim5Maryam Budiman6Afifah Samsudin7Asmah Azizeh8Vimal Varma Spor Madiman9Azarinah Izaham10Department of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan HospitalDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan HospitalDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan HospitalDepartment of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob LatifAbstract Background Utilising ultrasound technology has resulted in higher success and lower complication rates during regional anaesthesia (RA) procedures. Proper training is necessary to accurately identify structures, optimise images, and improve hand–eye coordination. Simulation training using immersive virtual environments and simulation models has enabled this competency training to be conducted safely before performing on patients. We conducted a study to compare the simulator performance and users’ feedback on a Blue Phantom Regional Anaesthesia Ultrasound Training Block and NeedleTrainer™. Methods Forty-seven participants were recruited via convenient sampling during a RA workshop for novice practitioners. They were divided into the N or B group and then crossover to experience using both Blue Phantom and NeedleTrainer model. Time-to-reach-target, first-pass success rate, and complication rate were assessed, while the learning and confidence scores were rated using six-item and three-item questionnaires, respectively, via a 5-point Likert scale. Results Blue Phantom model has a longer time-to-target as compared to the NeedleTrainer model (16 ± 8 vs 8 ± 3 s, p < 0.001), higher first- pass success rate (100% vs 80.9%), and lower complication rate (0% vs 19.1%). Higher overall learning satisfaction scores (28 ± 4 vs 25 ± 4, p = 0.003) and confidence scores after training (13 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2, p < 0.001) were recorded for the Blue Phantom model. Conclusions We postulated that the artificial intelligence structure recognition software enables NeedleTrainer users to attain shorter time-to-target. That being said, Blue Phantom provides better operator learning satisfaction, improved confidence, higher success and lower complication rates among novice RA practitioners, possibly due to greater tactile feedback during the simulated training.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06361-7Ultrasound simulatorBlue phantomNeedleTrainerRegional anaesthesia
spellingShingle Mohammad Nizam Mokhtar
Siti Aisyah Suhaini
Weng Ken Chan
Iskandar Khalid
Kok Wang Tan
Angelina Chia Chia Lim
Maryam Budiman
Afifah Samsudin
Asmah Azizeh
Vimal Varma Spor Madiman
Azarinah Izaham
Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
BMC Medical Education
Ultrasound simulator
Blue phantom
NeedleTrainer
Regional anaesthesia
title Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
title_full Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
title_fullStr Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
title_full_unstemmed Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
title_short Comparison of NeedleTrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
title_sort comparison of needletrainer™ and ultrasound tissue simulator in a simulated environment among novice regional anaesthesia practitioners
topic Ultrasound simulator
Blue phantom
NeedleTrainer
Regional anaesthesia
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06361-7
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