Umbilical catheterization training: Tissue hybrid versus synthetic trainer

This study of umbilical catheterization deliberate practice training compared skill and knowledge outcomes of umbilical catheterization using a tissue-hybrid simulator (REAL) versus a synthetic simulated umbilical cord task trainer (ART).

This was a prospective randomized control study. Pediatric residents were randomized to REAL or ART umbilical catheterization deliberate practice training. Pre-post-training changes in skill performance and knowledge scores for REAL and ART groups were compared. Fidelity of REAL and ART were compared by neonatologists.

Twenty-seven pediatric residents completed training. Post-training mean skill scores were improved compared to pre-test scores (REAL, P < 0.001; ART, P < 0.0001). Post-training skill, knowledge, and self-efficacy scores were not different between the REAL and ART groups. Fidelity of REAL was higher than ART for neonatologists (P < 0.01).

The face validity of REAL was superior to ART, but resident umbilical cord deliberate practice training demonstrated no difference in skill, knowledge, and self-efficacy improvements between REAL and ART. Further studies on real patients are needed to evaluate the impact of using real or simulated umbilical cords for umbilical venous catheter/umbilical arterial catheter training.