title: Improving sixth year medical students' performance in knee arthrocentesis using a synthetic knee model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Praveena
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chiowchanwisawakit
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Ranistha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ratanarat
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Varalak
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Srinonprasert
mesh_terms: D000069237:Arthrocentesis / Q000193:education*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D059032:Learning Curve; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013785:Thailand; D014495:Universities
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: arthrocentesis workshop; synovial fluid analysis; synthetic knee model; teaching medical students