Comparative assessment of bladder puncture simulators

BACKGROUND: Bladder puncture is a common urological procedure associated with various complications. To ensure safe and effective physician training, different types of simulators are used. The integration of simulators into medical education enhances the quality of specialist training and improves patient safety. AIM: To determine the qualitative characteristics of modern non-biological simulators available in Russia and compare their effectiveness in teaching bladder puncture skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from February 1, 2024, to April 1, 2024, at two medical universities with the participation of 40 physicians divided into two groups. One group trained using the UROSON-B simulator, while the other used the Suprapubic Catheterization Module (Limbs Things). The simulators were evaluated based on realism, utility, durability, and training outcomes. After one-month use, the performance of both groups was compared. RESULTS: The UROSON-B simulator demonstrated superior realism and visualization compared to the Suprapubic Catheterization Module. Physicians trained on UROSON-B exhibited better procedural performance. After one month, this simulator retained higher visualization quality, showed fewer signs of wear, and proved to be more effective and durable than the Suprapubic Catheterization Module. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study results, the UROSON-B simulator was identified as the optimal tool for bladder puncture training due to its superior realism, durability, and effectiveness.