A skills lab benefits primarily from equipment that matches defined learning objectives, group size, and the procedures actually being trained. The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice® recommend aligning simulation-based learning opportunities with measurable learning objectives and expected outcomes. If investment funds are still available at the end of the year, a structured gap analysis is therefore a good option: Which stations are at capacity, which competencies cannot yet be practiced sufficiently, and where does a lack of equipment limit parallel practice? [1]
1. More training stations or more complexity?
Should a new training system enable additional clinical procedures, or does the skills lab primarily need more identical practice stations? Repeated practice and feedback are among the examined effective design features of simulation-based education. For large learning groups, it may therefore be sensible to provide enough parallel injection or puncture stations. For advanced procedures, on the other hand, a specialized model may be the more appropriate addition. [2]
2. Ultrasound-guided vascular access and PICC training
For institutions with corresponding learning objectives, the ultrasound-compatible PICC Training Simulator can be a specialized addition. The simulator is designed for training PICC insertion, from puncture and catheter handling to the placement of the distal catheter tip. It features, among other things, a replaceable ultrasound puncture pad and anatomically represented venous branches. In the DocMed shop, the model is listed with SKU EZR16014 for €2,190*. [3]
3. Supplementing nursing and ward competencies
Medical school skills labs can also incorporate nursing training models, especially if interprofessional learning objectives are intended. The INACSL standards explicitly list simulation-enhanced interprofessional education as a field of application for simulation-based teaching. The DocMed range includes, for example, the Clinical Chloe for €2,495*, the Tracheostomy Management Simulator for €939*, as well as Pressure ulcer/decubitus models for €1,029*. [1][4][5][6]
4. The better business case: Utilization per year
For internal procurement decisions, the planned usage per year can be a helpful metric. A simulator that is used in several course formats can achieve higher utilization than a highly specialized model with few uses. In addition to the purchase price, spare parts, consumables, maintenance, and storage requirements should therefore also be taken into account. The INACSL standards emphasize that simulation programs require appropriate systems and infrastructure for ongoing operations. [1]
5. A sensible sequence for procurement
A possible procurement logic is to first identify bottlenecks in frequently practiced basic skills and then evaluate models for advanced or specialized learning objectives. The decisive factor remains the fit with the curriculum, learning objectives, group size, and planned usage. This helps avoid the purchase of individual simulators without a clearly defined use. [1]
Checklist before ordering
- What specific problem or learning objective does the purchase solve?
- How frequently is the product expected to be used in the coming year?
- How many people or locations will benefit from it?
- Is comparable equipment already available?
- What follow-up costs, consumables, or storage requirements will arise?
- Are internal approvals, procurement guidelines, framework agreements, and ordering deadlines clarified?
Conclusion
For skills labs, a year-end investment is particularly justifiable if it eliminates a specific bottleneck or enables curricularly relevant training. Before purchasing, those responsible should document learning objectives, group size, planned usage, and follow-up costs. For multiple stations or higher-priced simulators, a bundled quote request may be sensible. [1]
Product Overview
| Product | SKU | Price | Use / Reason for selection | Product page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PICC Training Simulator, ultrasound-compatible [3] | EZR16014 | €2,190.00* | For PICC and ultrasound-guided vascular access training. | View product |
| Clinical Chloe Nursing Manikin [4] | EZR17625 | €2,495.00* | For interprofessional and nursing skills. | View product |
| Tracheostomy Management Simulator [5] | EZLM106 | €939.00* | For cannula changes, suctioning, and tracheostomy care. | View product |
| Pressure ulcer / decubitus models [6] | EZR11047 | €1,029.00* | For wound assessment and nursing instruction. | View product |
| Nursing Simulator "Yaye" [7] | EZR16228 | €8,635.00* | For a broad spectrum of practical skills. | View product |
*Price and link note
Status of product data and prices: 09/28/2026. Product prices and availability may change on short notice. Before publishing or sending a quote, the respective linked DocMed product page should be checked again. For products with a "from" price, the final price depends on the selected variant or size.
Sources
[1] International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL): Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®. The standards describe, among other things, the alignment of simulation-based teaching with learning objectives and expected outcomes, requirements for operations, and simulation-enhanced interprofessional education. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[2] Cook DA et al.: Comparative effectiveness of instructional design features in simulation-based education: systematic review and meta-analysis. Medical Teacher. 2013;35(1):e867-e898. The review examined design features of simulation-based education and reports, among other things, results on repeated practice and feedback. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[3] Erler-Zimmer / DocMed: PICC Training Simulator, ultrasound-compatible, SKU EZR16014. Manufacturer description regarding trainable PICC procedure, ultrasound puncture pad, and anatomical venous structures; DocMed price status 09/28/2026: €2,190.00 incl. VAT. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[4] DocMed GmbH: Clinical Chloe Nursing Manikin, SKU EZR17625. Product page with current price of €2,495.00 incl. VAT and classification for universities and training. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[5] DocMed GmbH: Tracheostomy Management Simulator, SKU EZLM106. Product page with current price of €939.00 incl. VAT and classification for universities and training. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[6] DocMed GmbH: Pressure ulcer / decubitus models, SKU EZR11047. Product page with current price of €1,029.00 incl. VAT; training models for teaching pressure ulcers/decubitus. (accessed 09/28/2026).
[7] DocMed GmbH: Nursing Simulator "Yaye", SKU EZR16228. Product page with current price of €8,635.00 incl. VAT and classification for universities and training. (accessed 09/28/2026).
