Development and Validation of a Modular, Realistic IV Placement Training Model (PractIV)

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of PractIV, a modular peripheral intravenous (PIV) training simulator designed to improve realism, adaptability, and integration of IV placement training for healthcare professionals. The research project is a collaboration with the University of Washington (UW) Mechanical Engineering 'Engineering in Health' (EIH) Program, and the Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies (CREST) at UW. The goal of this work is to develop a modular IV arm trainer specifically designed to comply with the Modular Healthcare Simulation and Education System (MoHSES™) physical connection standards, enabling seamless integration with existing manikins such as the Advanced Joint Airway Management System (AJAMS), Both previously developed by CREST. PractIV addresses key limitations in existing IV training tools, which often lack anatomical realism and fail to prepare learners for challenging patient scenarios. By combining insights from clinical practice, mechanical design, and additive manufacturing, this work contributes to the fields of medical simulator development and IV training.