Color Coding of a Sterile Field to Aid in Recognition of Visual Cognition and Learning.

This study used color coding to determine if color promotes visual cognition and learning for students to identify the sterile field while inserting an indwelling catheter. Novice students have trouble identifying the sterile field. It was theorized that adding color would help students identify what is and is not sterile. Thirty students in the control group were instructed using a standard non-color-coded catheter kit; 30 students in the experimental group were instructed using a red color-coded catheter kit. All students were validated using the standard non-colored-coded kit. The experimental group performed better on overall sterility.