Medical students' attitudes toward lumbar puncture—And how to change

Abstract

Objective: To survey medical students on the lumbar puncture (LP) procedure in terms of their existing knowledge, practical experience and attitudes, and to determine whether the completion of a single standardized seminar that includes practical training on phantoms can alter these parameters. Methods: The survey was completed by medical students undertaking the curricular neurology course. Students were asked to describe their practical experience in different bedside procedures, and document how they perceive LP in terms of their own knowledge, confidence and attitude. Students then participated in a newly designed 90-min seminar that included practical training on phantoms and placed special emphasis both on the patients' point of view during the procedure and the benefits of an atraumatic approach. All students who completed the seminar were required to complete the survey for a second time. Results: Among the 153 participants, LP was associated with the lowest baseline levels of experience and confidence compared to other bedside procedures. Attitudes, knowledge, and confidence related to the various aspects of LP all showed significant improvement after the seminar. Conclusion: A single standardized LP seminar with simulation training alters medical students' attitudes toward LP through improving their level of knowledge and confidence. This may have important implications in doctors-to-be on their stance toward LP and resultant advice to future patients regarding this important procedure.