Constructing a low-cost lumbar puncture simulator for medical education

• DOI: 10.5327/1516-3180.141s1.561
• Publication Date: 2023-07-10T10:20:09Z
• Authors: Rebeca Mamede da ...; Beatriz Gonçalves...; Gabriela Montanhe...; Luiza Ruiz Simão; Amanda Favoretto; Fausto Orsi Medola; Alessandra Mazzo; Adriano Yacubian ...; André Luis Shinohara

Introduction: Simulation has progressively been recognized as a reliable teaching method for delicate medical procedures, including lumbar punctures, an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Despite its importance, studies show training to be insufficient, with medical students and residents feeling technically unprepared. Furthermore, multiple challenges lie ahead of implementing curricular training, including costs of simulators, available for prices ranging from US$ 1158,89 to US$ 2.897,21 a unit. Because the technique does not require complex events, selecting a type of simulator can be compatible with simpler but realistic devices that can be made at teaching institutions, not requiring third party suppliers. Objectives: To construct a low-cost lumbar puncture simulator for medical education. Methods: Based on literature and professional experience, critical points of construction and resources available on the market were assessed. A prototype was confectioned with processed vertebrae, sponges, a latex tube filled with water, attached to a syringe for pressure, and makeshift skin and soft tissue from a commercial suture kit, all mounted on a metal apparatus. Results: The simulator concocted of the most cost-effective materials and only the most crucial components performed comparably to brand models according to pre-tests by selected students and experienced professionals. Currently, a more reproductible prototype is being constructed out of 3Dprinted materials, which will be further evaluated and validated. Conclusion: The rough prototype performs comparably to commercial models, and we believe the study will further corroborate modern tendencies to transform teaching into cost-effective techniques that enrich medical education in resource-limited settings.