Simulation Manikins: Types, Uses, and Alternatives
Simulation Manikins: Types, Uses, and Alternatives
Mistakes are a critical part of learning. But in medicine, one wrong move can mean life or death. That’s why simulation manikins exist — to provide a safe trial-and-error environment.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about simulation manikins. We will also discuss the latest alternatives, including VR-based simulation and AI-driven training tools.
What Are Simulation Manikins?
A simulation manikin is a life-sized, anatomically accurate model used for medical training and education. High-fidelity models can simulate breathing, heartbeats, bleeding, and even verbal responses.
They feature realistic skin, typically made of silicone, with fiberglass or carbon fiber internal structures for durability. Some specialized parts, like teeth or skulls for intubation trainers, use very hard polymers to resist wear.
Early manikin models, like the 1960s Resusci Anne, were simple CPR dummies. Over time, technology transformed them into advanced training tools. Today’s high-fidelity manikins integrate AI, sensors, and wireless connectivity.
The term manikin is often confused with mannequin. A mannequin is a lifeless figure used for fashion or retail display. On the other hand, a manikin is an interactive medical training tool designed to simulate real patient responses.
Types of Simulation Manikins
Studies indicate that the vast majority of U.S. medical schools have integrated simulation-based education (SBE) into their curricula. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of simulation manikins used by these institutes:
Low-Fidelity Manikins
These are the simplest models. They have a rigid structure and are primarily used for practicing basic procedures like CPR, airway management, and simple patient handling. They do not provide real-time feedback or simulate physiological responses.
They also include anatomical manikins showing muscles, organs, and skeletal structures without interactive features.
Medium-Fidelity Manikins
Medium-fidelity manikins may have movable joints, simulated pulses, and pre-programmed sounds like breathing or coughing. They allow for more realistic training but still lack advanced physiological responses.
Medium-fidelity manikins can help teach physical assessment skills. A study on first-year pharmacy students found that using these manikins significantly improved confidence and accuracy in assessing heart rate, blood pressure, and lung sounds. Even after 21 weeks without practice, students could retain their skills.
High-Fidelity Manikins
These are the most advanced manikins used for simulation. They can simulate complex medical conditions, including shock, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure. Some even respond to medication and treatment in real-time.
They can be equipped with:
- Wireless connectivity
- AI-driven responses.
- Realistic airway systems
- Pulse and blood pressure variability
- Programmable ECG and cardiac rhythms
- Reactive pupils for neurological assessments
- Integrated bleeding and fluid systems
- Speech and vocal response simulation
- Seizure and tremor capabilities
- Temperature regulation for fever and hypothermia training
Task Trainers
Unlike full-body manikins, task trainers are partial models designed for specific procedures. They offer targeted, hands-on practice for medical students and professionals.
Examples of task trainers include:
- Intravenous (IV) arm trainers for venipuncture and catheter insertion
- Airway intubation heads for endotracheal tube placement
- Suture practice models for wound closure techniques
- Lumbar puncture simulators for spinal tap procedures
- Central line insertion trainers for vascular access practice
- Ophthalmic exam models for diagnosing eye conditions
- Pelvic exam trainers for gynecological assessments
Pediatric, Obstetric, and Neonatal Manikins
Children and infants require specialized care, which is why training manikins come in pediatric and neonatal versions. These models replicate infant and child anatomy, vital signs, and common medical emergencies like respiratory distress or sepsis.
Pediatric manikins can mimic a crying or coughing infant and even turn their heads.
Obstetric simulation manikins can simulate labor and delivery repeatedly, including complications like breech births, shoulder dystocia, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Surgical and Trauma Manikins
These manikins are designed for surgical training, allowing medical teams to practice incisions, suturing, hemorrhage control, and even laparoscopic surgery.
Trauma manikins simulate severe injuries, gunshot wounds, or battlefield scenarios to prepare healthcare providers for high-pressure environments. Military medics can train on ‘wounded’ manikins that bleed.
Virtual Reality Patients
Although not physical manikins, virtual reality (VR) patients represent the most advanced form of healthcare simulation medical trainers use today.
Lumeto is one of the most advanced healthcare simulation software nurses, doctors, and residents use. It provides fully immersive simulations for learners to engage in realistic clinical scenarios. Lumeto’s VR offers flexibility and complexity that traditional manikins cannot match.
Key features of Lumeto VR simulations include:
- Haptic feedback systems for simulating touch, resistance, and procedural precision.
- AI-driven patient responses that adapt to user actions in real-time.
- Performance tracking tools that provide objective feedback on decision-making, procedural accuracy, and response time.
- Dynamic case variations expose learners to various medical conditions and emergencies.
Check out more in this video:
Benefits of Medical Training Manikins
Here’s how medical trainers have benefited from manikins:
Safe Learning Environment
Medical training has real consequences, and mistakes made on actual patients can be devastating. Simulation manikins create a controlled environment where trainees can make errors without causing harm.
A study found that 95% of resident physicians admitted to committing medical errors during training, with 20% of those errors classified as moderate to severe. Manikins help reduce this risk by allowing learners to practice complex procedures, refine motor skills, and gain confidence before working with real patients.
Enhanced Skill Acquisition and Retention
Studies indicate that learners trained with high-fidelity simulators demonstrate improved performance and higher skill retention than those trained with traditional training methods.
Virtual reality (VR) takes this further by offering fully immersive, interactive simulations that accelerate learning.
The infographic above presents key findings from a study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) in collaboration with Lumeto’s VR training solutions. Despite 56% of learners having never tried VR, the results showed:
- 73% found it easy to role-play an intubation scenario in VR
- 100% understood the necessary steps when entering the virtual ICU
Improved Clinical Judgment
During a simulation, trainees must interpret the manikin’s vital signs, recognize symptoms, and adjust treatment in real-time. This process strengthens critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
High-fidelity manikins and VR simulations challenge learners to think on their feet. They simulate unpredictable patient responses, requiring trainees to make rapid, evidence-based decisions.
Stress Reduction for Learners
Medical training is demanding, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Studies show that 31% to 63.5% of medical students worldwide experience high levels of perceived stress.
Simulation manikins and VR-based training provide a controlled, low-risk environment where learners can develop skills without the fear of harming real patients.
Increased Confidence
A 2021 study involving 37 fifth-year medical students found a notable increase in self-confidence after high-fidelity simulation training.
Simulation manikins increase learners’ confidence by:
- Hands-on practice: Trainees perform procedures multiple times until they gain proficiency.
- Immediate feedback: Errors can be identified and corrected in real-time without real-world consequences.
- Exposure to rare cases: High-risk, low-frequency conditions can be practiced repeatedly, preparing learners for unexpected situations.
- Gradual challenge progression: Scenarios can start simple and become more complex, helping trainees build confidence step by step.
How Much Do Simulation Manikins Cost?
Simulation manikins vary widely in price based on fidelity, functionality, and included features. Here’s a general breakdown of pricing:
Low-Fidelity Manikins
Cost: $100 – $5,000
Depending on durability and feedback features, a basic CPR dummy may cost $100 to $500. Full-body static nursing simulation manikins typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Mid-Fidelity Manikins
Cost: $5,000 – $35,000
Mid-fidelity models provide movable joints, programmed sounds, and vital sign simulations. These manikins are commonly used for physical assessment training and procedural practice.
High-Fidelity Manikins
Cost: $40,000 – $200,000+
High-fidelity manikins are the most advanced and expensive training tools. Most flagship adult and maternal models cost between $60,000 and $85,000 as a base price, with additional expenses for extended warranties and advanced physiological monitoring.
Some trauma and surgical manikins exceed $200,000, incorporating AI-driven responses, real-time physiological feedback, and wireless connectivity for full simulation control.
Source: Healthy Simulation
Challenges and Limitations of Simulation Manikins
While manikins provide hands-on experience, they still have constraints in realism, cost, and accessibility. Here are some challenges associated with simulation manikins:
High Cost
Advanced simulation manikins, especially high-fidelity models, come with a steep price tag, ranging from $40,000 to over $200,000. Beyond the initial investment, they require:
- Software updates
- Consumables
- Extended warranties
- Storage space
Hands-on practice must also be scheduled, restricting the number of students who can train simultaneously. These financial barriers make them less accessible to smaller training programs or institutions.
VR eliminates much of this cost by providing a reusable digital training environment. Training can be conducted repeatedly without additional expenses once the software and hardware are in place.
Maintenance
Owning simulation manikins comes with ongoing maintenance costs that extend beyond the initial purchase price. For institutions conducting five courses per semester, the annual expenses for disposables and maintenance are estimated at around €1,300 per manikin.
These costs cover replacement parts, cleaning supplies, and routine servicing.
Regular cleaning and upkeep are essential, particularly when using moulage (artificial wounds, makeup, or simulated bodily fluids) to enhance realism. If not removed promptly, these materials can cause staining, deterioration, and long-term damage to the manikin’s surface.
VR-based simulation eliminates maintenance concerns. Virtual patients do not require physical cleaning, part replacements, or scheduled servicing.
Limited Scenario Flexibility
a study involving 204 participants found that 58% of respondents felt more comfortable working with standardized patients (actors), compared to 17% who preferred manikins. The primary reason cited was the greater realism provided by human actors, particularly in communication scenarios.
Additionally, research analyzing 20 different CPR manikin models revealed that none accurately represented female anatomy; only one had a breast overlay. This lack of anatomical diversity may lead to discomfort or hesitation in performing CPR on women.
Virtual Reality (VR) simulations address these limitations by introducing dynamic, AI-driven virtual patients capable of unpredictable behaviors. For instance, Lumeto’s InvolveXR platform utilizes generative AI to create lifelike virtual patients who can:
- Engage in natural, unscripted conversations.
- Express a range of emotions.
- Exhibit diverse physiological symptoms.
Here’s a medical trainee talking with an AI patient:
Lack of Emotional and Behavioral Cues
Traditional manikins lack the ability to exhibit true emotional and behavioral responses. This absence makes it challenging for medical trainees to develop essential skills in empathy and communication.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology addresses this gap by introducing AI-driven virtual patients capable of displaying various emotions and behaviors.
Studies have shown the effectiveness of VR in fostering empathy among healthcare professionals.
These virtual patients can simulate realistic scenarios where trainees must recognize and respond to emotional cues, such as anxiety, depression, or agitation.
Here’s a scenario from Lumeto’s library:
Limited Accessibility and Scalability
Simulation manikins require physical space, scheduled lab time, in-person instruction, and much more to make the training successful. That’s why they are less accessible for remote learners or institutions with limited resources.
This setup creates barriers for smaller institutions, rural programs, and global learners who may not have access to these facilities. Additionally, scheduling conflicts and limited availability mean that not every student gets equal hands-on practice.
VR-based training solves these issues by eliminating physical constraints. With a VR headset and a compatible platform, learners can access realistic medical simulations from anywhere.
With Lumeto’s VR platform, healthcare trainers can extend their reach by allowing up to 50 non-VR observers to participate in a single simulation session. It enables real-time learning for large groups without requiring additional physical manikins or lab space.
How Lumeto VR Complements Healthcare Simulation Models
A meta-analysis of 27 studies with 1,480 participants found no major difference between VR and traditional manikin-based training in improving clinical knowledge, procedural skills, and decision-making.
Now, Lumeto takes it further. It’s a fully customizable AI-driven platform where healthcare trainers can create dynamic, patient-specific cases that change in real time.
Lumeto’s VR platform features the following AI-driven debriefing tools:
- Live performance tracking: Trainees get real-time assessment based on clinical protocols.
- Event logs: Every decision, every action, all recorded. Instructors can break it down step by step.
- Objective skill metrics: Take CPR, for example. Compression depth, rhythm, and time-to-response—all measured.
- Data-driven feedback: Clear, measurable insights that help trainees improve.
Here’s an assessment report trainers can review on their screen:
Here’s how simulation manikins and Lumeto’s VR compare with each other:
|
Feature
|
Simulation Manikin
|
Simulation Manikin Lumeto VR
|
|---|---|---|
Want to see how VR can take medical training beyond manikins? Lumeto’s AI-driven simulation lets learners practice real-world scenarios anytime, anywhere. See how your institute can implement VR today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Simulation Manikins
Can simulation manikins bleed or secrete fluids?
Yes, trauma-focused models and high-fidelity surgical simulators can simulate bleeding, sweating, and fluid secretion. Some models allow for hemorrhage control training, where learners must apply pressure, tourniquets, or sutures to stop bleeding.
Are pediatric and neonatal manikins different from adult models?
Yes, pediatric and neonatal manikins are specifically designed to reflect anatomical and physiological differences in infants and children. They have smaller airways, unique vital sign ranges, and different medication responses.
Do simulation manikins replace real patient interactions?
No, manikins are meant to supplement clinical training, not replace it. They provide a safe environment for skill-building, but medical students and professionals still require real-world patient exposure to develop medical skills.
What are the biggest technical issues with simulation manikins?
The most common problems with simulation manikins include sensor malfunctions, battery failures, software crashes, and mechanical wear on moving parts.