Comparative Evaluation of Blue Phantom and SCOBY-Based Models for Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Cannulation Training

Ultrasound-guided intravenous (USIV) cannulation is a common alternative when IV access cannot otherwise be obtained. Many hospitals teach this skill with the commercial CAE Blue Phantom gelatinous training blocks. However, their cost is a barrier. This has led to experimentation with creative alternatives. Recent studies have trialed SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) in the production of training models for medical procedures. SCOBY is a biofilm-like structure appearing as a thick, rubbery film. We aimed to develop a 2-vessel SCOBY-based model and compare its effectiveness for teaching USIV against the Phantom.

Participants, 23 emergency medicine clinicians, performed USIV on each model and completed a pre- and post-procedure questionnaire.

Seventy-four percent of participants indicated that the SCOBY model more closely resembled the clinical reality of human tissue compared with 13% for the Phantom. SCOBY provided an improved visual appearance, physical touch, feel of the procedure, and appearance of "subdermal tissues" on ultrasound compared to the Phantom.

These results suggest a promising future for SCOBY as a cost-effective alternative to teaching clinical skills.