Design and Development of a Lumbar Puncture Simulation Model

Abstract

Traditionally, medical trainees have been taught how to perform clinical skills on patients, moving directly from observation of senior physicians to carrying out the procedure themselves. In recent years, there has been a shift in medical education towards including simulation‐based teaching methods, which has been associated with reduced learner discomfort and improved patient outcomes. Simulation models are currently used to train medical students on lumbar punctures. The aim of this project is to improve upon existing models by creating a lumbar puncture simulation model with flexibility in the spine, with anatomically accurate physical measurements and mechanical properties, where required. Clinicians were interviewed to gather input on the initial design of the model, and will be interviewed again after testing the prototype to obtain feedback on how to further modify the model for increased clinical accuracy. A parametric CAD model was based on anatomic data collected by cadaveric experiments and measurements obtained from a literature search of imaging, cadaveric and in vivo studies. We will discuss the current prototype of the lumbar puncture model and the mechanical properties, physical measurements and clinician input incorporated in the design. Improved anatomic accuracy of the finalized model will allow trainees to translate their lumbar puncture skills more readily from practicing on the simulation model to performing on patients, leading to increased patient safety.Support or Funding InformationSchulich ‐ UWindsor Opportunities for Research Excellence Program (SWORP)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.