Simulator training to improve epidural catheter placement skills
Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training for Epidural Analgesia Placement in Obstetric Settings: A Prospective, Randomized, Monocentric Study
This project tests whether a short simulator course helps anesthesia residents who are new to epidurals place epidural catheters more successfully during labor.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Padova) |
| Trial ID | NCT07056140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, randomized controlled study at the University Hospital of Padua will compare a simulation-based training program plus an anatomy lecture to standard clinical training for anesthesia residents. Eligible participants are residents with fewer than 20 prior epidural placements and no prior simulator experience; they will be randomized to either a 3-hour practical session using Kyoto Kagaku epidural simulators with a frontal anatomy lecture or to usual in vivo training. The primary outcome is the number of successful epidural catheter placements performed by residents during their rotation, with secondary outcomes including procedure time, need for assistance, and trainee confidence/skill ratings. The trial is open-label and conducted within the teaching hospital's obstetric anesthesia rotations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are anesthesia residents who have performed fewer than 20 epidural catheter placements, have no prior epidural-simulator experience, can attend in-person sessions at Padua, and can give informed consent.
Not a fit: Residents with 20 or more prior epidural placements, those already experienced with epidural simulators, or those unable to attend in-person training are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could raise resident success rates and reduce failed or traumatic epidural attempts for laboring women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous simulation studies in anesthesiology and obstetric anesthesia have shown improved technical skills and trainee confidence, though direct clinical outcome improvements have been less consistently demonstrated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Residents in Anesthesia * Informed Consent Exclusion Criteria: * An experience of 20 or more epidural catheter positioning * Experience with epidural simulator
Where this trial is running
Padova
- University Hospital of Padua — Padova, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alessandro De Cassai — University of Padova
- Study coordinator: Sabina Medical Doctor, Rizzi
- Email: sabina.rizzi@aopd.veneto.it
- Phone: +390498213090
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.