#2024 Innovative tools for peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion: impact on clinical skills and PD adoption

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains underutilized in many healthcare settings, partly due to limited training opportunities for catheter insertion. This study evaluated virtual reality (VR) as an innovative educational tool for PD catheter insertion training and investigated barriers to PD adoption among renal clinicians. Method A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of 53 renal clinicians from multiple countries, in Europe, Africa and Asia with qualitative interviews of 15 multi-professional stakeholders (nephrologists, educators, and digital creators). The study evaluated clinician perspectives on PD adoption and assessed a VR-based PD catheter insertion training prototype through the lens of Adult Learning Theory and Technology Acceptance Model. Results 70% of respondents supported implementing innovative learning tools (40% agree, 30% strongly agree). As shown in Fig. 1, while 34% of clinicians were familiar with simulation training, there is significant potential for growth, with 18.9% expressing interest despite being unfamiliar. Key barriers included lack of PD resources (51.9%) and limited guideline awareness (37.7%). Qualitative findings revealed VR's potential for enhancing spatial understanding of anatomy and procedures, with participants emphasizing its value as a complementary training tool rather than a replacement for traditional methods. Conclusion The findings demonstrate strong support for innovative training tools among African renal clinicians, despite current limited exposure. VR-based training shows promise as a complementary educational tool, particularly for enhancing procedural understanding and confidence. Implementation strategies should address resource constraints while leveraging high interest levels among clinicians.