Modification of the Laerdal SimBaby to include an integrated umbilical cannulation task trainer.

BACKGROUND

Given the emphasis on early vascular access via the umbilical vein in neonatal resuscitation it is essential that participants in neonatal resuscitation simulation training be given the opportunity to practice both the placement and use of an emergency umbilical venous catheter. By integrating available parts from the Laerdal catalog, combined with a few other inexpensive components, into a Laerdal SimBaby we were able to create a single, integrated neonatal simulator that could be used to practice both the placement and use of an emergent umbilical vein catheter.

METHODS

To integrate an umbilical cannulation task trainer into the Laerdal SimBaby we used a specially modified replaceable umbilical cord and reservoir from the Laerdal Neonatal Resuscitation Baby. To this reservoir we attached a flanged outlet drain and drainage tube which allows for the infusion of medications and fluids. The modified SimBaby with integrated umbilical cannulation task trainer was validated for both face and content by simulation participants and a panel of neonatal resuscitation experts.

RESULTS

The umbilical cannulation task trainer integrated well into the SimBaby and in no way altered the function of the mannequin. The modified Laerdal SimBaby was thought to work well by both participants and experts. Simulation participants liked having the chance to practice emergency umbilical vein cannulation and thought that the simulated umbilical cord was an important component in their learning experience. The expert panel thought that the modified SimBaby could be used for emergency umbilical vein cannulation skills training and that the addition gave the modified SimBaby major advantage over other simulators they had used to teach newborn resuscitation.

DISCUSSION

We have developed a modification to the Laerdal SimBaby involving the integration of a usable umbilical cannulation task trainer. The modification was easily accomplished using available parts from the Laerdal catalog and a few other inexpensive components. Given the emphasis on early vascular access via the umbilical vein and the complexities involved with the administration of medications and fluids via this route we believe that a usable umbilical cannulation task trainer is essential to neonatal resuscitation simulation training. When modified as described the Laerdal SimBaby can act as a high-fidelity newborn simulator that allows participants to practice both the placement and use of an emergency umbilical vessel catheter. Given our positive experience we think others could apply the above modification to their own SimBaby.