Advanced haptics simulation platform for improved nurse skills

Abstract
ArchieMD proposes developing an advanced haptics simulation platform for improved nurse skills
training for peripheral intravenous (IV) insertion and nasogastric tube (NGT) procedures. There is a
significant gap between theoretical and practical nursing education programs, making for a difficult transition
from education to work environments. Nursing programs have long relied on low- and high-fidelity manikins,
which vary from simply replicas of human beings/body parts with limited to no distinguishing features to
comparative human models with adjustable physiological traits. However, manikins can be limited in their
effectiveness in providing diverse patient scenarios or meeting the requirements for conceptual, physical, and
emotional/psychological fidelity that will ensure that patient simulation is accurate. Task training manikins, such
as those used to teach IV and NG placement, lack live tissue fidelity, which could be significantly enhanced with
haptic technology. Further, manikins alone cannot provide real-time visualization of internal anatomy and a
limited capacity to simulate complications from incorrect device placement. The emergence of simulation-based
models for medical education addresses the need for required skill development of healthcare trainees, including
manikin training, virtual reality, and interactive medical simulation software. The use of nurse training simulations
in a blended learning environment has been reported to lower the number of IV insertion attempts and reduce
IV-related complications on subsequent patients. To improve this form of education, ArchieMD will provide
nurses with immersive haptic training simulations to help them practice and acquire skills and gain
confidence in performing peripheral IV and NGT insertion. By integrating visual 3D computer models with a
game engine and haptics, ArchieMD will provide an immersive virtual reality (VR) training environment for nursing
students. This will offer a new modality for simulation training, with the ability to provide force or tactile feedback
that simulates a virtual objectandapos;s physical substrate. Haptics technology and computer-generated imagery can
simulate internal and external anatomy, enhance nurse training activities, and successfully transfer simulator-
acquired skills to real-world applications. The proposed technology will promote improved learning through both
andquot;hands-onandquot; clinical education and ensure patient fidelity. The Phase I research effort will be comprised of two
aims: 1) Develop simulations for IV insertion and NGT procedures, incorporating 3D computer models and a
stylus with haptic feedback, and 2) Carry out a user study to evaluate the haptic simulationsandapos; performance in
transferring peripheral IV and NGT insertion skills. The haptics technology designed here will support immersive
simulation training, allowing nursing education programs to supplement lecture- or observation-based training or
replace current task trainer manikins. These easily accessed training simulations will result in improved clinical
skills and, ultimately, better patient care.Narrative
Nursing programs have relied on manikins for student training for years, but such methods do not always provide
accurate, effective, and immersive platforms for acquiring clinical skills. ArchieMD proposes developing a novel
haptics simulation platform to improve nurse training for specialized techniques such as IV and nasogastric tube
insertion. Immersive technology will provide nursing students with a more andquot;hands-onandquot; approach to gaining care
skills essential in clinical environments and ensuring patient fidelity.