Creating cost effective simulation solutions for training needs
Blog written by Sue Vidgen, Simulation Coordinator, Michael Blunt, Simulation Coordinator and Paul Ferguson, Simulation Technical Coordinator.
The Simulation Coordinators working within the Mater Practice Improvement Centre (MEPIC) were tasked by our Clinical Simulation Director and Staff Specialist of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Sarah Janssens, to create a more durable version of her original low-fidelity box surgical simulator (LLETZ1.0). This simulator was developed to effectively teach very specific gynaecological procedural skills (large loop excision of the transformation zone for cervical dysplasia treatment) to trainees within our organisation.
Due to the success of and demand for the original simulator we needed to ensure that the new model was sturdy enough to withstand multiple uses by varying operators and yet remain cost effective and easy to assemble. The LLETZ V2.0 is made from common household parts (with the exception of a diathermy plate) which can be easily obtained from your local hardware store and supermarket, and all for under $45. The equipment you will need:
- Deks 50-40mm Jenco rubber Reducer Connector
- Deks 32–40mm Jenco rubber Reducer Connector
- Holman 40mm x 1m PVC DWV Pipe: cut to 120mm
- Holman 25mm x 1m class 12 press PVC Pipe: cut to 200mm
- One screw around 5cm long
- Holman 50mm x 1m PVC DWV Pipe: Cut to 65mm
- General speaker wire: 500mm long
- Aluminium foil
- Kabana sausage (yes, from the deli section of your local supermarket)
- Diathermy plate (from Operating Theatre)
- Baby sock (pink) x 1 and 1 x rubber band
Find below a step by step guide to how our very own Michael Blunt built this unique surgical trainer:
Do you need a procedural skills trainer for your own simulation education activity? Have you got an idea to make your own simulator, simulated wounds or body fluids, or even a simple prop to help you to meet your educational needs but just aren’t sure how to go about it? Then please get in touch with any of us in the MEPIC Simulation Team at MEPIC@mater.org.au
