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Improving sixth year medical students' performance in knee arthrocentesis using a synthetic knee model
Author(s) -
Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena,
Ratanarat Ranistha,
Sriprasert Varalak
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of rheumatic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1756-185X
pISSN - 1756-1841
DOI - 10.1111/1756-185x.12664
Subject(s) - arthrocentesis , medicine , confidence interval , test (biology) , physical therapy , medical physics , session (web analytics) , synovial fluid , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology , paleontology , world wide web , biology , osteoarthritis
Aim A knee arthrocentesis ( KA ) workshop using synthetic knee model was arranged for all sixth‐year medical students ( MS ) in our institute to ensure equity in receiving training. We evaluated confidence level and knowledge of KA and synovial fluid analysis testing pre‐ and post‐workshop for MS . Methods The workshop was divided into two parts. The first part was to provide knowledge in arthrocentesis and synovial fluid interpretation and the second was a practice session on the synthetic model under supervision. This is a report of pre‐and post‐workshop self‐evaluation about the confidence in performing KA (0–10 scales), improvement of knowledge in KA , and synovial fluid analysis earned from attending the workshop. Pearson χ 2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables, where appropriate. Results There were 247 MS attended and 228 (92.3%) evaluated the workshops. Ninety‐six (42.1%) MS had experience in KA prior to this workshop. The mean ( SD ) levels of confidence in performing the procedure before and after the workshop were 3.6 (2.5) and 7.5 (1.7), respectively, P < 0.001. Improvement was shown regardless of previous exposure to KA . Knowledge of appropriate testing for synovial fluid was significantly improved in all items explored after the workshop and extended to the better scores earned from a competency examination. Conclusions A hands‐on structured workshop using a synthetic knee model for KA is a successful model for improving medical students' confidence in performing the procedure with evidence of sustaining knowledge in short‐term follow‐up.