Development of a compression-transmitted elastic bandage training mannequin Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Udon Thani

Abstract

Introduction: Proficient patient bandaging is crucial for preventing severe complications like compartment syndrome, yet traditional training methods often lack objective, real-time feedback on pressure application. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel training system to address this gap.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was employed with 9 nursing instructors and 45 students. The intervention featured a mannequin arm with integrated pressure sensors that provided immediate alerts for unsafe compression levels. Knowledge, skills, and satisfaction were measured using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: Instructors reported very high satisfaction ( = 4.89, SD = 0.33). After the intervention, students showed a significant increase in bandaging knowledge (p < 0.01) and similarly high satisfaction ( = 4.88, SD = 0.33). A clear progression in practical skills was observed, with mean scores improving from first-year ( = 2.19, SD = 0.78) to third-year students ( = 2.79, SD = 0.41, indicating the tool's utility across different learning stages.

Conclusion: The training system, combining a pressure-signaling mannequin with a clinical assessment application, is an effective and well-accepted innovation. By providing immediate, objective feedback, it enhances student engagement and improves bandaging proficiency. These findings strongly support its integration into nursing curricula to bridge the gap between theory and safe clinical practice. Further research with larger samples is recommended to confirm its long-term impact and broader applicability.