Introduced in the United States, in 1998, the CATHSIM (Trade Mark) was the first Virtual Reality Simulation developed for universal use in the skill development of health practitioners from all professions. Designed to help beginning students develop skills in intravenous catheterization in a non-threatening, self directed learning environment; the virtual reality simulation has proven of value for students in medicine, nursing, emergency medical technology, and laboratory technology programs among others.

The basic CATHSIM unit has six case scenarios with varying degrees of clinical difficulty from normal to sclerosed, torturous veins. The student is assured of the opportunity to practice different venous insertions and learn the „feel‰ of the procedure prior to encountering a patient.

As the use of the CATHSIM spread, users asked for other intravenous skills. Thus, additions were developed including a Geriatric Module, Pediatric Module and the Phlebotomy enhancement. Later this year an Intravenous Skills Assessment Module will be available. As the use of the CATHSIM grew in educational institutions, hospitals have also found it useful in determining the intravenous catheterization skills of new hires, especially GN‚s. Another institutional use is to prepare staff nurses for additional responsibilities in this area.

Research studies are underway in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Universities, colleges, and hospitals are testing the efficiency of the CATHSIM in meeting their particular educational needs. Today the CATHSIM is in use around the world and we are working on the next virtual reality simulation to replace „practice on patients‰

The CATHSIM will be demonstrated for you and participants will have an pportunity to try the simulation for themselves.

Participants will learn how virtual reality simulations are being used by a wide variety of educational and service institutions; nationally and internationally. They will have an opportunity to explore how the CATHSIM and its enhancements could be used in their organization to meet the need for skill development in an invasive procedure without practicing on patients. Research activities will be shared and contacts identified for further information.

Virginia L. Barker; Director, Virtual Reality Simulation Development
Plattsburgh State University of New York
101 Broad Street
Sibley 406
Plattsburgh, New York 12901-2681
Phone: (518) 564-3070
Fax: (518) 564-4069
Email: virginia.barker@plattsburgh.edu
Website: plattsburghvirtualreality