SIMUNEO: Control and Monitoring System for Lung Ultrasound Examination and Treatment of Neonatal Pneumothorax and Thoracic Effusion

Abstract

Training with real patients is a critical aspect of the learning and growth of doctors in training. However, this essential step in the educational process for clinicians can potentially compromise patient safety, as they may not be adequately prepared to handle real-life situations independently. Clinical simulators help to solve this problem by providing real-world scenarios in which the physicians can train and gain confidence by safely and repeatedly practicing different techniques. In addition, obtaining objective feedback allows subsequent debriefing by analysing the situation experienced and learning from other people’s mistakes. This article presents SIMUNEO, a neonatal simulator in which professionals are able to learn by practicing the management of lung ultrasound and the resolution of pneumothorax and thoracic effusions. The article also discusses in detail the hardware and software, the main components that compose the system, and the communication and implementation of these. The system was validated through both usability questionnaires filled out by neonatology residents as well as through follow-up sessions, improvement, and control of the system with specialists of the department. Results suggest that the environment is easy to use and could be used in clinical practice to improve the learning and training of students as well as the safety of patients.

Keywords

• simulation
• simulator
• neonate
• lung ultrasound
• pneumothorax
• pleural effusion