Development of a model for practicing venipuncture and intravenous fluid administration

Abstract

Quality and safe nursing practices, professional nurses and nursing students must possess accurate, precise, and proficient nursing skills. This developmental innovation research aimed to create and develop a model for practicing venipuncture and intravenous fluid administration made from natural rubber. The study was conducted in three phases: 1) assessing the needs for a skill training model among nursing students, newly graduated nurses, nursing instructors, and nursing laboratory staff 2) designing and developing the model, including formulating a latex compound, testing its initial properties, creating a prototype using the developed formula, assessing its quality and conducting trials, and 3) evaluating the model's effectiveness. The sample consisted of 45 second-year nursing students and 30 newly graduated professional nurses. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing the model's features and effectiveness. Instrument reliability was verified through the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC), which ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, which were 0.81 and 0.83. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The results revealed that the model, made from natural rubber, had a rectangular shape (7 cm wide, 12 cm long, and 1 cm thick). Its base was supported by a thin steel plate to prevent needle penetration. The model included two blood vessels connected to a 20-50 milliliter syringe and was stitched onto a rubber cloth for attachment to body areas where skill practice was required. During the trial phase, fourth-year nursing students rated the model’s features at a very good level (M=4.59, SD=0.51), while professional nurses rated them at a good level (M=4.49, SD=0.50). For effectiveness, second-year nursing students rated the model at a very good level (M = 4.55, SD=0.51), while newly graduated professional nurses rated it at a good level (M=4.46, SD=0.56). This skill-training model can be used for three applications: as a part task trainer, with a full-body manikin, and with simulated patients by attaching it to relevant body areas for practice or hybrid simulator.