Evaluation of basic perfusion techniques, ECCSIM-Lite simulator

Although serious accidents during extracorporeal circulation are infrequent, potential adverse events with both equipment and operation do still occur and require immediate and well-coordinated responses. Hence, perfusionists need to be well trained in both standard and emergency procedures, and this would be aided by the establishment of an official education and training curriculum. In particular, the establishment of a simulator-based educational program and corresponding evaluation methods will spur development of increasingly medical simulators. ExtraCorporeal Circulation SIMulator (ECCSIM-Lite) was used during repeated sessions of undergraduate students (n = 12) using a simple training scenario. Trainees aimed to maintain reservoir volume around a constant mean, and increase or decrease the arterial flow avoiding rapid variations, and their performance was monitored. Ability to prevent backflow was also recorded as a measure of accomplishment. Skills in performances were evaluated by using a scoring system based on task accomplishment. Accomplishment score was improved in all participants after 1 week of training. Accomplishment scores reflecting ability to maintain flow improved to an average of 78%; in the third and final practice session backflow was prevented in 100% of cases. The average reservoir level maintenance score in the flow-up phase was 75%, in the flow-maintenance phase was 92%, and in the flow-down phase was 58%. During skill training, in which trainees learn methods of avoiding adverse events, the use of simulators combined with tractable skills scores can ease the transition from training session to clinical practice. Use of these training scenarios within a perfusion education system also has the advantage of providing an index of trainees' current proficiency and improvement by providing tractable skill scores. In conclusion, the use of ECCSIM-Lite simulations, together with evaluation of task accomplishment over repeated training sessions, is an effective method of basic skill training for perfusionists.