Port-a-cath Trainer

Patient safety relies on effective training of healthcare providers. A nurse educator wanted to train new hire system nurses on the proper way to care for a patient with a port-a-cath. Our institution did not own a port-a-cath trainer. The commercially available port-a-cath trainers are expensive, while this low-cost solution is easily reproducible at minimal costs and can be used repetitively.

This homemade trainer allows learners to access a port, draw back to check for appropriate placement with blood return, push fluids when the port is accessed, and apply sterile dressings.

• To create a low-cost and easy replicated trainer for use in simulation education when performing port-a-cath access and care.

• Connect the port to the port tubing via manufacturer guidelines. Cut the port tubing to the desired length. We cut ours shorter because it is used with a tabletop IV stand.
• Insert the port tubing into the silicone tubing and use the heat gun and heat shrink tubing to seal it.
• Cut a small square into the bath basin. This should be in the upper half of the basin and centered. This square is where the port tubing will be ran through.
• Glue the port to the bath basin above the square that was just cut, and run the tubing through the hole to the other side.
• Insert the IV tubing that is spiked into the IV bag with blood colored solution.
• Place the IV bag on an IV pole. Place a pressure bag and inflate. Prime the tubing so that fluid is ready to be drawn back when access needle is placed.
• Take the simulated skin and cover the bath basin and port. Pull tight and secure with binder clips.
• The port is now ready to be accessed, flushed, and have sterile dressings placed and changed.

View a PDF of the steps with photos.