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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

A Modified Method for Intrathecal Catheterization in Rats
Published on: February 14, 2025
Standardization of health care provider competencies for intrathecal access procedures
Colleen A McLaughlin1, Marilyn J Hockenberry2, Joanne Kurtzberg3
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA mclau002@mc.duke.edu.
Introduction:
This quality improvement (QI) project addresses a method for experienced health care providers to maintain skill-based competence for intrathecal access procedures.
Methods:
A prospective QI design using intrathecal access simulation to assess, educate, and evaluate skill competency. Simulation was used as a strategy to promote patient safety and standardize practice patterns. Pretest and posttest methodology using paired t tests were performed to assess anxiety, confidence, and knowledge.
Results:
Fourteen pediatric providers participated in this QI project. There was a statistically significant improvement in confidence measuring intracranial pressure (ICP; t = -2.92, P = .013), performance-related overall anxiety (t = -2.132, P = .05) and administering intrathecal chemotherapy (t = -2.144, P = .053). Fifty percent of participants missed a medication error demonstrating confirmation bias.
Conclusion:
This simulation strategy resulted in improved confidence in measuring ICP, performance-related overall anxiety, and confidence in administering chemotherapy. Confirmation bias occurred during simulation testing for a medication error. We propose this method for maintaining clinical competencies in health care providers and introducing new skills to existing practices.
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