Abstract
Osaka Medical College’s nursing students confirmed the movement of blood vessels by the utilization of visualization technology (AccuVein®and ultrasound) in the skills labs. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the practice of drawing blood using the visualization technology. A survey was distributed the day after 81 nursing students who joined the practice. It had 12 questions to obtain data on their thoughts regarding the use of visualization technology for the practice of drawing blood, including a Likert scale and free comments. Results of responded 37 students revealed that over 90% participants answered that AccuVein®and ultrasound were “very good” or “good” and AccuVein®was helpful in understanding the movement of blood vessels while ultrasound was helpful in understanding the size and depth of blood vessels. Students believed that AccuVein®and ultrasound were effective to some extent before drawing blood. Drawing blood led them to develop a greater awareness about and motivation to purse the nursing profession and confidence in their skills. Overall, it appears meaningful to use the visualization technology to understand the movement of blood vessels when students draw blood amongst themselves in the skills lab.
