A pain in the neck: prototyping and testing of a patient simulator neck for spinal immobilization training

This paper presents the development and user-testing of a novel concept for patient simulators, aiming to enhance spinal immobilization training. Iterative prototype interactions with critical stakeholders revealed a need for evidence-based guidelines and training for suspected neck injuries. A realistic and compliant neck prototype with sensor feedback was developed to address the need for objective performance metrics. The conceptual prototype was used in an experimental study (n = 12) to obtain subjective and objective feedback on its characteristics and use in medical training. In the experiment, users were asked to perform spinal immobilization techniques on a simulator while sensor data recorded head and neck movements. Furthermore, a Likert-scale questionnaire and subjective feedback were gathered. Results are used to discuss proposed performance metrics and whether they can be used as quality performance indicators for formative and summative training feedback. The results also suggest the neck prototype to realistically simulate an unconscious patient regarding the obtained range of motion and spinal compliance.