Professor Wen-Yu Hu’s team at National Taiwan University Hospital has developed a "Dual-Gender Catheterization and Perineal Cleansing Voice-Activated Training Model" using 3D printing technology. This innovative tool provides a realistic catheterization scenario and integrates features such as multi-language instruction and auditory feedback, offering a comprehensive teaching experience for healthcare professionals and home caregivers. This advancement significantly improves the proficiency in catheterization techniques and enhances the quality of care.
Overcoming Traditional Teaching Limitations to Create a Realistic Learning Experience
Catheterization, while a common invasive medical procedure, has traditionally faced limitations in teaching models. Conventional catheterization models often lack essential features like iodine disinfection capability, have restricted operation ranges, and fail to provide a realistic feel, leading to suboptimal learning outcomes. Furthermore, with limited availability and the inability to loan these models from clinical skills centers, nurses find it difficult to practice regularly. Practicing directly on patients can lead to anxiety, which might hinder learning and potentially cause discomfort for the patient.
Multi-Functional Design Enhances Learning Outcomes
To address these challenges, Professor Hu’s team has custom-designed a 3D printed catheterization model with the following features:
- High Realism: The model includes interchangeable male and female urinary organs, a simulated bladder with urine properties, and movable joints, offering a practice experience that closely mirrors real-life scenarios.
- Ease of Use: Weighing only 1,756 grams and made from corn starch resin, the model is easy to clean and disinfect, ensuring hygiene.
- Immediate Feedback: If the catheter is inserted incorrectly, the model emits a warning sound and provides immediate feedback, enabling learners to correct mistakes promptly.
- Multi-Language Support: The model includes multi-language instructions for home catheterization techniques, making it accessible for caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
- Flexible Application: By scanning a QR code, users can access a webpage with comprehensive guidance on intermittent home catheterization.
Additionally, the team conducted surveys with nurses and caregivers, revealing that satisfaction significantly increased in terms of acceptability, efficiency, confidence, and potential for widespread use after using the new catheterization model. Currently, National Taiwan University Hospital has deployed this model across three of its campuses and plans to extend its use to branch hospitals and home care settings.
Continuous Improvement to Set a New Benchmark in Nursing Education
Professor Wen-Yu Hu emphasized that this model not only addresses the shortcomings of traditional teaching tools but also offers a groundbreaking solution for nursing education. Looking ahead, the team will continue to refine the model's features and expand its application, contributing to improved nursing quality and caregiving effectiveness.
Resource (mandarin): 3D列印打造擬真情鏡 「模」練放置導尿管
