Text reads: HomeGrown Solutions, HomeGrown Simulation Solutions, an initiative of INACSL, powered by the N L N S I R C.

HomeGrown Solution: IV Pump Training Cheater

Title

IV Pump Training Cheater

Submitted By

Ryan Stambro

HomeGrown Solution Number

300

Identification of the Problem

Patient safety relies on effective training of healthcare providers in the use of intravenous pumps. Utilizing the proposed solution allows organizations to train providers across broad sets of objectives, while being cost effective. An additional concern in the markets is a shortage of IV fluids used in patient care. This solution allows organizations to maintain high fidelity training without distraction or disruption to supply.

Unique Idea

The IV "cheater" is a solution that allows healthcare educators and practitioners to train in IV pump programming utilizing a low cost, highly effective, reusable tool. This solution address waste and delays caused by utilizing actual fluids during training. In addition to static programming, the "cheater" can be used during high fidelity simulation to allow learners to visualize pump settings, without distractions of pump errors caused by fluids.

Objectives

Describe the process used to create an intravenous pump "cheater" for training. Identify problems with current pump training and provide practical solutions.

Supplies/Ingredients

  1. IV Pump Tubing
  2. Scissors
  3. 10mL syringe (luer lock)
  4. 14 gauge angiocath (1.75"/45mm)
  5. Black Silicone
  6. IV Pump for testing completed units

Steps to Creating the Solution

  1. Gather supplies required and prepare an area for trainer creation.
  2. Cut IV tubing 2" above and below the section used inside the IV pump chamber. With your scissors, create a small hole in the flexible tubing that fits inside the chamber.
  3. Remove the plunger from your syringe. Remove the catheter from your angiocath, and safely discard of your needle. Attach the angiocath to your syringe using the luer lock. Fill your syringe with appropriate amount of black silicone for quantity of "cheaters" being created. Each unit will use approximately .5mLs. Reinsert the plunger and apply pressure to begin the flow of silicone from the catheter.
  4. Insert the catheter in the bottom portion of the IV tubing as far as it will reach. Begin applying silicone to fill the lumen of the tubing. Pull back the syringe and catheter and continue filling the bottom portion of the tubing. Do not fill the top portion of cut tubing. Be mindful of the area of tubing that inserts into the pump chamber sensor. This section must have silicone!
  5. Place the section of pump tubing to the side to dry for 24 hours, and repeat steps for further trainer sets. Once dry, insert the pump trainer into the channel and program a generic fluid bolus setting. Ensure the system does not error for air-in-line or patient side occlusion.
  6. Troubleshoot "cheater" sets that cause alarms by ensuring silicone is filling the tubing in the area of the channel sensor. Add an additional hole to the flexible tubing.

Images

10mL syringe, 14 gauge angiocath, iv tubing, tube of black silicone, scissors 14 gauge angiocath, iv tubing, scissors black arrow pointing to a hole in the IV tubing section of prepared pump tubing on its side to dry prepared pump training cheater with black silicone

HomeGrown Disclaimer

The information contained within this website is for information purposes only. While the website is monitored in an attempt to keep the information up to date and accurate, be aware that there are no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, and/or suitability being made. The sponsors of this website are not liable for any loss or damage that may result from using information contained within this website. Any reliance you place on the information contained within this website is strictly at your own risk.

Please note that sections of this website include postings of individuals not associated with the website sponsors. These postings are not endorsed or warrantied by the website, and use of such information is at your own risk.

Always check the user guide/manuals provided by the manufacturer of your manikin or task trainer. Using products that are not sanctioned may invalidate the product warranty. (For example: Some products could stain the skin on a manikin. Liquids used around electrical parts may cause malfunctions.)