Construção de um simulador de baixo custo para punção venosa periférica de diferentes graus de dificuldade

Abstract

Low-cost venipuncture simulators have proven to be an accessible and effective alternative for teaching practical skills in healthcare. They allow students and professionals to practice puncture techniques more frequently, without relying exclusively on patients or expensive equipment. The use of these resources fosters active learning, promoting safety and confidence during the procedure. In addition, they contribute to reducing errors and to the humanization of care by preserving patients’ well-being. This methodological study aimed to develop and build low-cost prototypes for training in peripheral venipuncture, with different levels of difficulty, applicable to health education. The goal was to design accessible and realistic simulators capable of improving students’ technical skills, promoting safety, and reducing risks to patients. The research was conducted in the Skills Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine at the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAMED/UFU), where two medium-fidelity prototypes were developed: (1) a simulator without anatomical difficulty, and (2) a simulator with increased difficulty due to the insertion of a sponge representing adipose tissue. For construction, low-cost materials were used, such as polyethylene, latex tubes, EVA foam, PET bottles, sphygmomanometer, and dyes, composing a pressurized closed system to simulate blood vessels. The results indicate that the prototypes are effective, feasible, and economically accessible, allowing progressive training in a safe environment. The identified advantages include patient safety, accessibility, repeatability, low cost, progressive realism, and increased student confidence. Among the limitations are anatomical restrictions, absence of physiological response, reduced durability, and dependence on faculty supervision. Thus, the incorporation of prototypes in nursing education constitutes an effective pedagogical strategy, combining financial feasibility, technical realism, and a positive impact on professional training.