Simulation-Based Knee Joint Arthrocentesis Workshop for Internal Medicine Residents

Knee arthrocentesis is a safe and valuable diagnostic and therapeutic primary care procedure. Enhancing Internal Medicine (IM) residents' competency in this skill is crucial for effective patient care. We implemented a simulation-based knee arthrocentesis workshop (SBKAW) to improve residents' comfort in offering knee joint arthrocentesis in primary care settings.

IM residents from five clinic cohorts participated in an SBKAW that included a presentation of instructional material and hands-on training on simulation knee models, led by a rheumatologist and clinic faculty. Pre- and postintervention online surveys were administered to assess participants' comfort levels in performing knee joint arthrocentesis, before and after the workshop.

Sixty-four IM residents participated in the SBKAW, 62 (96.9%) of whom had no prior training on knee joint arthrocentesis. The self-reported comfort level in performing knee arthrocentesis pre- and post-SBKAW was 4.7% (very comfortable 3.1%, comfortable 1.6%) and 84.2% (very comfortable 22.8%, comfortable 61.4%), respectively. Before the SBKAW, 50 (78.1%) and 36 (56.3%) residents reported familiarity with indications and contraindications, respectively, and this improved to 56 (98.2%) residents post-SBKAW. Fifty-four (94.7%) residents reported arthrocentesis as a "very important" or "important" skill for an internist. Forty-eight (84.2%) residents expressed interest in future SB training.

Our simulation training highlights the importance of incorporating SBKA into IM residency training curricula, which can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, and IM resident training by improving their self-confidence and skills for performing knee arthrocentesis.