Exporting simulation technology to the Philippines: a comparative study of traditional versus simulation methods for teaching intravenous cannulation.

This study examines effectiveness of a donated Laerdal Virtual I.V. simulator when compared with traditional methods of teaching intravenous (IV) cannulation to third year medical students in the Philippines. Forty novice Filipino medical students viewed an instructional video on how to start intravenous lines and were then randomly divided into two groups of twenty. The "Traditional" group observed an IV insertion on an actual patient performed by an experienced practitioner, and then subsequently performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The "Simulation" group practiced the Virtual I.V. simulator until they successfully completed level three using the "doctor" setting. These students then performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The videotapes for both groups were reviewed by two pre-trained (Inter-rater reliability of > or =0.84) observers who were blinded to the group using a previously validated checklist for IV insertion. Students trained on the Virtual I.V. showed significantly greater success in successfully starting an IV on an actual patient (40% VS. 15%, p<0.05), decreased constrictive band time (p<.05), increased raw score on the check list (p<.03), and decreased overall time to start an IV (p<.05). The technology was well received but wider application in the non western world is limited by lack of in country company support and the relative expense.

Comparison of a locally prepared polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution with the standard three day procedure for pediatric preoperative bowel preparation

The use of a locally prepared polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) for preoperative bowel preparation of pediatric patients undergoing colostomy/ileostomy closure was compared with a standard three day regimen.Twenty-three patients were randomly assigned to either PEG-ELS or a standard three day bowel preparation, For both groups,? there were no significant differences in the changes in the pre and post-prep body weights, hematocrit, and serum electrolytes.Patients did not exhibit? abdominal cramps nor vomiting with either preparation. Intra-operative assessment showed adequate cleansing of bowels in both procedures. Postoperative complications were?not related to the preparations.? This study shows that using a locally prepared polyethylene glycol?electrolye lavage solution may be an excellent alternative to the standard?three day bowel preparation in pediatric patients.