Could an iPhone app improve the process and experience of endovascular simulation? We believe it can, that’s why we created the “UKETS Logbook” app together with Mentice. 

Could an iPhone app improve the process and experience of endovascular simulation? We believe it can, that’s why we created the “UKETS Logbook” app together with Mentice. The app can be downloaded for free here.

In an era where self data tracking is becoming more prevalent, it is only natural that this should extend to endovascular practice. The value of endovascular simulation isn’t simply derived from “hands on” simulation time. A variety of metrics are generated from each procedure, e.g total radiation exposure, contrast use and procedure time. These are valuable quantitative data for the user to reflect on and identify areas for future improvement – but this is easier said than done. An iPhone app offers an easy and minimally time consuming way to track endovascular simulation performance.

Why should we track this data? With the growing body of evidence validating endovascular simulation, any procedure undertaken on a simulator should be recorded as evidence of training. One of the challenges for modern training interventionalists is how to integrate simulation as evidence of competency progression. Curricula worldwide may not officially recognize endovascular simulation as a formal means of attaining competency yet. However, with the ongoing rapid evolution in endovascular simulation, its official recognition into training curricula may only be a matter of time. Now is the time to pre-empt this and start tracking all simulated procedures!

It was very exciting to see the UKETS app released in the Apple app store today. In essence this app is a logbook for simulated procedures. In addition to tracking individual procedure parameters, the logbook also provides “Total Simulation Time” on the home screen. We previously blogged about Pilots and how they frequently refer to their total number of simulation hours; why don’t interventionalists don’t do the same? With this app, it is now possible to quickly quantify simulation time. All data can easily be exported via email, this allows the user to integrate their simulation data into already existing portfolios as evidence of competency progression.

To further enhance the simulation experience, we have also included a version of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in the app. We hope this will improve the simulation process by allowing the user to further contemplate communication, teamwork and patient safety. To understand more how checklists can benefit medical practice, check out Atul Gawande’s Book “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right”.

To a new generation of endovascular practitioners and those seeking to continually improve their skills, we hope you will find this app useful and that it represents an evolution in the field of endovascular simulation. With improved data tracking and self reflection every simulated procedure can be maximised as an opportunity for self improvement. This is only version 1.0 of the app and we’re already working on further enhancements. If you have any feedback on the app, this can be submitted directly through the app or by email: app@ukets.org

Dr. Sebastian Mafeld
Mr. Craig Nesbitt

www.ukets.org

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