Creating an intramuscular injection pad for the SimMan 3G.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• Intramuscular (IM) injections are a fundamental skill in healthcare.
• Current simulation manikins may lack realistic anatomical sites for practicing IM injections.
• Standardized training environments are crucial for developing psychomotor skills in medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and produce a thigh-mounted intramuscular injection pad for the SimMan 3G manikin.
• To create a safe and effective simulation tool for practicing IM injections.
• To offer a cost-effective solution for enhancing healthcare simulation fidelity.

Main Methods:

• A prototype pad was initially created from a plastic bottle.
• A plaster of Paris mould of the manikin's leg was used to shape the module.
• Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) was applied to the mould to fabricate the final waterproof and durable module.
• The module was integrated into the SimMan 3G manikin's thigh.

Main Results:

• A functional, waterproof, lightweight, and strong IM injection pad was successfully produced.
• The module integrates discreetly under the manikin's skin, allowing for high-fidelity practice.
• The developed pad enables practice without direct faculty supervision, increasing training efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The thigh-mounted IM pad is a valuable and cost-effective addition to the SimMan 3G manikin for healthcare simulation.
• This innovation improves the realism and effectiveness of training for administering IM injections.
• The module facilitates independent skill practice, contributing to improved patient safety and procedural competency.