Paracentesis Simulation: A Comprehensive Approach to Procedural Education

Structured procedural education and assessment of competency are growing needs for residency and fellowship programs. Simulation is a useful way to learn, experience, and practice procedural skills with competence. Paracentesis is a common procedure encountered in internal medicine. This educational resource for paracentesis education includes didactics, cases, and assessments to address cognitive skills, a simulation experience to address psychomotor procedural skills, and an entrustment-based assessment tool.

Prior to the simulation, learners completed preprocedural didactics and self-assessments. Utilizing a paracentesis trainer, ultrasound, and paracentesis kit, the case of a 46-year-old male with ascites in need of a paracentesis was presented. During the simulation, learners initially performed a paracentesis step by step, with assistance and feedback from the case instructor. This was immediately followed by paracentesis without assistance, where the instructor evaluated the learners with an assessment tool encompassing a procedural checklist, global skill assessment scale, and entrustment scale. Afterwards, learners completed case-based reviews and returned to the simulation lab several months later to repeat an unassisted paracentesis.

The curriculum was used with internal medicine and medicine-pediatric residents of all training levels. To date, over 120 residents have completed the curriculum. Residents reported an increase in self-confidence and competence using ultrasound to identify ascites and performing a paracentesis. Learners provided positive feedback.

This curriculum offers the opportunity for both cognitive and psychomotor paracentesis education in a low-risk simulation environment. The comprehensive strategy with didactics, cases, and multiple simulations is designed to promote knowledge and skill retention.