Improving Self-Confidence of Military Medical Providers With Joint Procedure Simulation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Military medical providers are a unique population that encounter different environments across the world. From hospital clinics to war zones, these providers must perform procedures and rely on their training and skill to help their patients. This pilot study aimed to assess the self-confidence of military medical providers performing joint aspiration and injection before and after a simulation workshop in both clinical and austere settings. Methods: In 2016, 25 military physicians from various military facilities participated in a 1-hour knee arthrocentesis and injection and shoulder injection workshop. Education was provided on the knee and shoulder anatomy and various approaches to performing the procedures before the hands-on portion of the workshop. Surveys assessing self-reported confidence levels by performing the procedures in the clinic and austere settings were completed before and after simulation training. Results: The results were analyzed and grouped based on the provider experience level, simulation environment, and specific procedure performed. There was a statistical significance seen in the shoulder arthrocentesis group, which included all participating providers, with a P-value of