A Pilot Study Assessing Simulation Using Two Simulation Methods for Teaching Intravenous Cannulation

Educators often wonder which of competing strategies should be used for knowledge and skill acquisition. This pilot study explored learning outcomes as well as educational practices and design features using a traditional mannequin IV arm and a computer-based haptic task trainer (CathSim). Those using CathSim had a significant increase in post-test scores. Students identified feedback and diverse ways of learning as the most important educational practices. Feedback and provision of cues were design features identified as most important by students.