Simulation-based training using a vessel phantom effectively improved first attempt success and dynamic needle-tip positioning ability for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in real patients: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled study

Background We evaluated whether a simulation-based training with a vessel phantom improves the basic skills of a novice required for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in real patients. In addition, we analysed whether repeated simulation training sets with an inter-training interval would accelerate the learning curve. Methods From March 2019 to July 2019, twenty-one anesthesiology residents were randomized into either a simulation group (n = 11) or control group (n = 10). Residents performed a total of 84 ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulations in real patients. The simulation group participated in two sets of simulation training on a vessel phantom (10 sessions per set) with a one-month inter-training interval. Trainee's performance proficiency was scored using a developed checklist, and a learning curve for each training set was constructed. To evaluate the effectiveness of our training curriculum in skill transfer, each resident performed four ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulations in real patients. The primary outcome was first attempt success rate and the secondary outcome was dynamic needle-tip positioning ability in real patients. Results The first attempt success rate and dynamic needle-tip positioning ability by ultrasound transducer were significantly higher in the simulation group than the control group (81.8% vs. 50%,P= 0.002 and 68.2% vs. 7.5%,P< 0.001, respectively). A reduced number of sessions was required to reach a plateau score on the learning curve in the repeated training set compared in the first-set (7 (5-8) vs. 3 (2-4),P= 0.003, respectively). Conclusions Simulation-based training using a vessel phantom effectively improved the first attempt success rate for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in real patients and the dynamic needle-tip positioning ability by ultrasound transducer in novice anesthesiology residents. In addition, repeated training curriculum accelerated the learning curve for recall skill proficiency and reduced inter-individual variability for skill acquisition.