The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has allocated over P4.99 million to develop a phantom model designed to enhance training for ultrasound-guided procedures. This initiative, led by a team from the University of the Philippines Manila, aims to create a cost-effective training tool for local healthcare professionals.
A New Approach to Medical Training
By utilizing homegrown tools to empower our own pool of medical professionals, we can overcome resource and skill gaps, tailor processes to the needs of our communities, and ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes.
Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST Secretary
- Phantom model simulates human anatomy for realistic training.
- Designed to be affordable and customizable for local healthcare needs.
The phantom model serves as a practice dummy that mimics human body responses during ultrasound procedures. Dr. Melissa Amosco, leading the research team, emphasized the importance of making such training resources accessible across the nation.
Currently, medical training tools often rely on imports that are not only costly but also inflexible. Dr. Leslie Joy Lantisce-Diaz, a co-investigator, noted the need for locally developed solutions that can adapt to various clinical scenarios.
The research team plans to complete the project by August 2026. They are actively refining the model based on feedback and exploring packaging solutions to facilitate deployment across different regions in the Philippines.
The current prototype incorporates two types of tissue-mimicking materials, simulating the abdominopelvic region with adjustable parameters that help identify anatomical structures like tumors and cysts. UP-PGH has already integrated this system into its curriculum, successfully training 124 graduates.