Development of the replacement skin of the IV arm simulator to meet customer requirements

Abstract

Purpose: The IV arm simulator trains IV catheter insertion in nursing education. Repeated practical training on IV catheter insertion can increase the confidence of new nurses or nursing students. All IV arm simulators in Thailand are imported from overseas and are expensive. The replacement skin of the existing IV arm simulators is not durable and is easily broken. Then, the objective of the study was to develop the replacement skin of the IV arm simulator from natural rubber, which was encouraged by the Thai government to advance the processing of natural rubber into higher value products. Design/methodology/approach: It was done in 4 phases. First, it was to explore the user requirements and problems of the existing IV arm simulator. The questionnaire was used to interview the requirements and problems of five nursing experts and lecturers and translate them into product characteristics. Second, it was to make a new replacement skin for the IV Arm Simulator from natural rubber. The plaster mould and centrifugal casting processes were selected and integrated to make the new replacement skin. Third, it was to test and compare the material properties of the new replacement skin with the existing replacement skin. The durability and adhesion testing were selected to test the material properties. Fourth, it was to explore user satisfaction after using the new replacement skin. The questionnaire was used to interview nurses and nurse’s lecturers again to explore user satisfaction on physical and usability. Findings: Results show that the new replacement skin is more durable than the existing one. It can attach the transpore tape and micropore tape. It can replace and fit with the existing IV arm simulator. Research limitations/implications: The study was a comparative study focusing on Thai nurse requirements. The new replacement skin was developed from the existing IV arm simulator based on the size and texture of Western people. Further studies should be conducted to develop an IV arm simulator that is suitable for Asian people. Practical implications: The new replacement skin from natural rubber can decrease import products, enhance Thai product value, and promote employment in the rubber industry. Originality/value: The new replacement skin can be made from natural rubber as raw material. It was designed based on user requirements and problems. It has durability and adhesion properties are better than the existing replacement skin.