<p> Mediseus Epidural: Full-Procedure Training Simulator for Epidural Analgesia in Labour</p><p>Dr Zorana Mayooran; Dr Leonie Watterson; Mr Paul Withers; Mr Jason Line; Ms Winnie Arnett; Mr Ross Horley </p><p>Medic Vision Pty Ltd, Suite 1, 261 Wattletree Rd, Malvern VIC 3144 [email protected]</p><p>Aims Our objective was to create a computer-based full-procedure training simulator for epidural analgesia in labour. Background Epidural labour analgesia is an invasive procedure done on an awake patient. Anaesthetists not only have to deal with the technical challenges of the procedure but they also have to simultaneously manage the patient who can be in considerable distress. Trainees have limited facilities to practice some aspects of the procedure using manikins and actors. In reality, training is done under supervision on a real patient. Mediseus Epidural was designed to give clinicians a holistic approach to training in epidural analgesia, where necessary skills can be learnt without harm to the patient. Methods Mediseus Epidural was developed using available simulation technology and evidence-based medical curriculum. Technically, the simulator consists of a 3D model of patient anatomy and a haptic device allowing users to feel resistance of tissues as the needle is being advanced through virtual patient anatomy. This technology was integrated with a validated curriculum on epidural analgesia in labour in collaboration with expert anaesthetists to create a full- procedure simulator. Results Mediseus Epidural is the world’s first full-procedure simulator for epidural labour analgesia. It is a stand-alone training simulator that teaches clinicians to successfully perform an epidural procedure from stepping into the labour ward to documenting the procedure. The simulator provides users with four learning modules: (1) watching the full epidural procedure; (2) learning the procedure step-by-step, being presented with case studies and opinions of expert anaesthetists; (3) practicing the procedure with interactive menus, 3D anatomy, haptics, and virtual supervisor; and (4) being objectively assessed while performing the procedure and presented with a formative/summative feedback report. Conclusions Initial feedback from experienced and trainee anaesthetists who used Mediseus Epidural has been extremely positive. The simulator is set to undergo validation studies.</p>