Comparison of a virtual reality simulator and simulated limbs for phlebotomy training.

Full Abstract

The current study compared the CathSim virtual reality simulator with simulated limbs for phlebotomy training. In the first experiment, medical students completed two 1-hour training sessions using 1 of the 2 methods. Afterward, the students' performance was assessed with both simulated limbs and genuine patients. The results showed that students trained with the simulated limbs achieved higher scores on both the posttest and the field test with actual patients than those trained on the CathSim system. In the second study, graduate students practiced with the CathSim system for 5 hours. The results showed a significant improvement in scores from pretest to posttest for these students. However, even after extended practice, their final scores did not differ from those of the medical students in the first experiment. Critical differences in design characteristics between the 2 systems may explain these findings. Although the authors observed a clear advantage for simulated limbs over the CathSim system, neither system faithfully represents all of steps needed to perform the procedure. Thus, training decisions may require that the unique advantages afforded by each system be considered.

Author information

Author/s: Scerbo, Mark W (MW); Schmidt, Elizabeth A (EA); Bliss, James P (JP);

Affiliation: National Center for Collaboration in Medical Modeling and Simulation, Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267, USA. mscerbo(-atsign-)odu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of infusion nursing : the official publication of the Infusion Nurses Society (J Infus Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2006 Jul-Aug; vol 29 (issue 4) : pp 214-24

Dates: Created 2006/07/21; Completed 2006/09/21; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16858254, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.