Low-Cost Haptic Force Needle Insertion Simulator With Advanced Personalized Learning System

Abstract

Although needle insertion remains a crucial part of medicine practice, there still exists a gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice with live patients. To help bridge this gap, the Low-Cost Needle Insertion Simulator, or the LCNIS, is developed to assist students in gaining more confidence through simulated practice. It does so first through its physical design, which include a physical needle insertion device that can give the feeling of puncturing through multiple layers of human flesh. Its user-interface then provides a variety of simulation options as well as performance feedback that can aid in the improvement of student skills. With these key features, the LCNIS hopes to give students a cheap and yet realistic way of practicing needle insertion without the stress and pressure associated with performing on patients. This study hopes to (1) learn about the current needle insertion education as well as gather feedback on the LCNIS prototype, and (2) use this information to construct a more effective user interface for the LCNIS.