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Published on: September 5, 2019
Training Physician Assistant Students in Ultrasound-Guided Knee Arthrocentesis Using Formalin-Embalmed Cadavers
Nena Lundgreen Mason1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Kyra Lee1,2,3,4,5,6,7, Owen Molind1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1Nena Lundgreen Mason, PhD, is an associate professor of Medical Education, Ultrasound Educator at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Summary
Physician assistant (PA) students can effectively learn ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis using simulated knee effusions in cadavers. This training significantly boosts student confidence and procedural accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Physician Assistant Studies
Background:
- The increasing number of ultrasound-guided procedures necessitates effective training for advanced practice providers.
- Physician assistant (PA) students require realistic, accessible simulation models to develop essential tactile skills for ultrasound guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of formalin-embalmed cadaver knees with artificial effusions as a simulation model for training PA students in ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four PA students received brief training on ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis using a cadaver model.
- Participants completed pre- and post-training self-confidence surveys.
- Procedural skills were objectively assessed using a standardized skills assessment.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one of 24 participants successfully completed the ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis within the time limit.
- Successful procedures required an average of 2.25 attempts and 121.8 seconds.
- Participant self-confidence significantly increased across all measured items post-training.
Conclusions:
- Formalin-embalmed cadaver knees with artificial effusions serve as excellent, accessible simulation models.
- Brief cadaver-based simulation training enhances PA students' self-confidence and objective performance of ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis.
