CAE Blue Phantom Education Package, Understanding Ultrasound for Guiding PICC Line Insertions, 4-Vessel

Blue Phantom's education package Understanding Ultrasound For Guiding Peripherally Inserted Central Insertions is designed to efficiently help instruct the PICC and infusion nursing student how to use ultrasound to guide the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in the brachial veins, basilic veins, and perform intravenous (IV) starts on superficial veins of the arm as found in the difficult to access patient veins. By using proven instruction techniques, this education package guides the inexperienced ultrasound user to a high level of understanding of how to utilize ultrasound imaging to guide peripheral venous access procedures.

Three important components work together to bring the user to a high level of understanding of how to use ultrasound to guide PICC line insertions and peripheral IVs. The education package includes:

• Competency Development Curriculum book
• Focused Visual Learning video DVD
• Blue Phantom™ Select Series Branched 4-Vessel Hands-on Training Model

The coursework begins with a written curriculum which establishes the foundation for success by guiding the reader through the fundaments of ultrasound physics, ultrasound system instrumentation, adjusting ultrasound system controls, how to obtain ultrasound images, and how to identify vessels and differentiate between arteries and veins using ultrasound imaging.

The content builds on the basics learned in early chapters taking the reader through detailed instruction on how to use ultrasound to guide peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line insertions and intravenous catheterizations including optimal room setup, using needle guides vs. freehand needle guidance techniques, the use of echogenic needles, sheathing the transducer to maintain a sterile field, and ultimately, putting all the pieces together to guide a needle to the intended vessel during an ultrasound guided venous access procedure. The reader tests his/her knowledge and builds confidence throughout the curriculum by completing quick quizzes and self-assessment tests throughout the book. The written curriculum ends with a final test as the user verifies his/her retention of information learned from the book. The expected time to complete the written curriculum is 4 hours. The book also contains a competency checklist example allowing clinicians and program directors to establish a knowledge and skill base.

The second step in the curriculum is the visual learning video DVD. Building on the information learned previously, the DVD offers a visual representation of the information learned in the written curriculum. This 12-minute DVD, filmed by the acclaimed filmmaker David DuBois, earned the prestigious Telly Gold Medal Award for Best Educational Film.

The final component of learning using this education package is a Blue Phantom branched four vessel vascular access ultrasound training model. Enabling the user to apply the skills learned in the written curriculum and video, this venous access ultrasound training model assists the user in his/her development of the psychomotor skills necessary to guide a needle to an intended vein during an ultrasound guided central catheter insertion procedure. This ultra-realistic and durable model provides the user with a training model for repeated practice of learned techniques, building confidence and skills.