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Abstract
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Background and Aims Being able to perform Plan A blocks is a core competency for anaesthetists in the UK (1). However opportunities to practise are often limited. Practising on patients for the first time might increase the risk of complications (2). Therefore we aimed to develop low-cost, ultrasound realistic plan A block phantoms that provide practitioners with realistic tactile feedback when needling the phantom.
Methods The models were made of ADAMgel (3) - a cheap, self-repairing tissue analogue - combined with household items and 3-way taps. Models cost £5-10 to prepare. The prototypes were assessed by a group of trainees and consultants. Based on their positive feedback, training sessions were organised. Anatomy of the models and confidence in needling technique pre- and post teaching sessions were assessed using Likert scales.
Results Feedback showed that although the models are not real patients the fundamentals of the anatomy are close to reality. (Image 1-3). Tactile feedback was felt to be similar to that of real patients. Mean confidence of needling technique improved from 2.6/5 to 3.7/5. Candidates expressed their interest to attend similar training sessions in the future.
Conclusions The ADAMgel plan A block phantoms are cheap with a long shelf-life. The phantoms make a good training aid for inexperienced trainees and potentially suitable to help maintain skills for those who have some experience in regional anaesthesia but not practising their skills regularly. They are felt to be much better than commercially available ones that do not have anatomical features at all, furthermore very expensive.
US image of Erector spinae block phantom
US image of Femoral nerve block phantom
US image of Interscalene brachial plexus block phantom