Evaluating the Confidence of Non-specialty Doctors Working in Trauma and Orthopedics in Performing Knee Arthrocentesis Through Simulation-Based Teaching

Introduction Acute monoarthropathies that present in emergency settings include septic arthritis, where urgent joint arthrocentesis is the diagnostic gold standard. Literature indicates low confidence among trainee doctors in performing knee aspirations. Simulation-based teaching can be used to supplement procedural skills training and improve their confidence in performing such procedures. Methods This study aimed to assess the self-rated confidence of non-specialty doctors (N=8) in Trauma and Orthopedics in conducting knee aspirations using simulation-based teaching with an anatomically accurate knee model. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires investigated self-reported confidence using a 10-point Likert-type scale and participant experience using a 7-point Likert scale. Pre- and post-intervention surveys further qualitatively explored attitudes toward conducting the skill. Results Pre-intervention mean confidence was rated 3.9 (SD=2.70) out of 10, with a noted increase to 8.1 (SD=1.25) out of 10, providing a mean difference of 4.2 (SD=2.82) out of 10 with p=0.007. All attendees agreed or strongly agreed on the usefulness and satisfaction of the activity. Qualitative analysis indicated themes of nervousness and lack of confidence pre-intervention and attitudes of increased confidence in the skill post-intervention. Conclusions Overall, increased statistically significant confidence was concluded among non-specialty doctors in conducting knee arthrocentesis following simulation-based teaching, with perceived usefulness and satisfaction of the activity. Nonetheless, we must consider potential limitations of clinical accuracy and realism through such procedural skills training.