Design, implementation, and outcome of a hands-on arthrocentesis workshop

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rheumatology
• Procedural Training

Background:

• Internal medicine residents had limited opportunities to practice arthrocentesis during rheumatology electives.
• This led to inadequate preparation and low self-confidence in performing joint aspiration procedures.
• A structured arthrocentesis workshop was developed to address these educational gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed arthrocentesis workshop.
• To assess improvements in resident knowledge, confidence, and procedural skills.
• To analyze the accuracy of self-assessment compared to objective knowledge testing.

Main Methods:

• A half-day workshop included a lecture and hands-on practice with mannequin models for 5 joint sites.
• Internal medicine residents and rheumatology fellows participated.
• Pre- and post-workshop medical knowledge tests and self-assessment questionnaires were administered.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in self-confidence, cognitive testing, and procedural skill assurance.
• A notable discordance between self-perceived competence and actual knowledge was found pre-workshop.
• Post-workshop, concordance improved, and 96% of participants intended to alter practice habits.

Conclusions:

• The workshop effectively enhanced trainees' understanding of joint injection, confidence, and motor skills.
• Resident self-reported confidence is an unreliable measure of competence.
• Objective assessments are crucial for evaluating medical knowledge and procedural competency.