Vascular Access

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Vascular Access Virtual Reality Simulator

The Virtual I.V. system is a fully interactive self-directed learning system for training intravenous catheterization. Its has three modules:

  • Adult
  • Infant
  • Phlebotomy

The system’s superior 3D graphics provide realism and its force feedback simulates the feel of vascular access, providing an accurate, truly virtual reality training experience. Virtual patients respond with bleeding, bruising, and swelling.


Adult Module

Virtual I.V. Adult module offers learners access to hundreds of case scenarios and is uniquely suited to a wide range of care providers and competence levels.

Each of more than 150 distinct case scenarios is customized to be specifically relevant to one of four audiences:

  • Nurses

    The traditional use of mannequin arms is included and virtual reality is incorporated. The union of these methods, both of which use a hands-on approach, complements the use of text and laboratory demonstration for teaching infusion therapy for nurses.

  • Doctors

    Case scenarios, simulations, automated debriefing, remediation, and rich educational content enable students to master all aspects of intravenous catheterization.

  • Emergency Medical Services Personnel

    Emergency medical service (EMS) policy makers must seek to achieve maximum effectiveness with finite resources.

  • Military Care Providers

    Detailed information in the form of references, instructional videos, and animations, helps students quickly understand how to improve their performance and their knowledge.

Infant Module

The Infant module for the Virtual I.V. is a comprehensive self-directed learning system for training peripheral venous cannulation in infants ranging from prematurity to 15 months.

The simulator enables the novice student and advanced practitioner to independently master the uniquely challenging psychomotor and cognitive skills required to competently perform intravenous catheterization in infants.

Benefits:

  • Enables learners to master the developmentally appropriate techniques and challenges of I.V. catheterization of infant patients
  • Motivates learners to develop critical thinking skills and respond, under pressure, to complications and difficulties specific to infants
  • Provides a customized training experience that adjusts to learners’ needs and performance

Features:

  • Virtual infants respond with bleeding, swelling from infiltration, bruising from blown veins, accidental arterial puncture, and other complications  
  • A variety of 19 infant models varying in skin color, weight, and age present distinctive challenges
  • 170 individual patient case scenarios progress in degree of difficulty and span the breadth of pediatrics  
  • Every infant accurately simulates I.V. access sites including the hand, arm, foot, and scalp, with each site having its own specific assessment criteria
  • A force feedback device simulates the subtle touch sensations necessary for proper I.V. catheterization in infants, including venous and arterial palpation, the “pop” of venipuncture, and the delicate feel of catheter threading
  • Thorough, timely, and effective debriefing gives the learner the feedback needed to improve skills
  • Comprehensive video tutorial introduces the learner to the techniques, complications, and special considerations of initiating I.V. therapy in infants, and provides a permanent and accessible resource for review
  • Learners are taught proper use of infant-appropriate equipment including trans-illuminators, arm boards, and infusion pumps as well as procedural steps specifically tailored to the needs of infants

Phlebotomy Module

Six cases in this module represent a variety of patient scenarios that would be encountered in a hospital, clinic, or laboratory. The system provides:

  • Didactic content
  • Objective, automated evaluations
  • A realistic training environment
  • Specific tasks for practice and proficiency

Didactic Content

The cognitive content addresses important steps in the phlebotomy procedure and reinforces correct tube selection and draw order, Universal Precautions, and proper patient identification. The module incorporates the following tools:

  • A needle and barrel assembly
  • A winged needle assembly
  • A selection of common evacuated tubes.

Evaluation Report Offers User-Specific Documentation

  • An evaluation report is automatically generated every time a user proceeds through a case. This report can be viewed and printed by the user or system administrator to monitor progress and highlight skills that need to be improved. The simulation is also recorded and can be played back at any time, providing a convenient visual review.

Realistic Training Environment

The Virtual IV system supplies a learning experience that exposes users to real-world scenarios. The system creates an environment in which the trainee and feel mass, resistance, and experience natural reactions such as bleeding. Potential challenges in the Phlebotomy modules include limited access sites and poor veins. The system's transparency and side views show the user's angle of approach in real time, adding an understanding of the underlying anatomy and encouraging excellent technique.

Key Training Points

In the Phlebotomy module, the user will:

  • Review the anatomy of the antecubital fossa
  • Identify the patient and key information from the patient’s record of care
  • Select the appropriate venous blood-sampling site
  • Assemble all necessary supplies
  • Demonstrate and adhere to Universal Precautions throughout the procedure
  • Perform simulated phlebotomy using the evacuated tube collection system
  • Respond to a variety of challenges presented by patients