Use of Simulation-Based Mastery Learning for Thoracentesis to Improve Outcomes

Study Summary

The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the use a medical simulation and mastery learning (where all learners must reach a high standard before completion of training) curriculum to improve internal medicine residents' skills when performing thoracentesis procedures (remove fluid from around the lung) on patients. Additionally, we will evaluate how these skills affect patient outcomes by comparing thoracenteses performed by simulator-trained residents to those who have "traditional" training. This project will evaluate these overall hypotheses: simulation-based training using the mastery learning approach improves medicine resident's thoracentesis skills and improves patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Primary Outcome

Thoracentesis skills will be measured using a checklist on the simulator and on actual patients during direct observations. Satisfaction with procedures done by a referred service or at the bedside by simulator-trained residents will be measured by patient reported confidence levels in procedure performer, perception of delay, and comfort during the procedure. Patient safety will be measured by assessing documented complication rates such as: pneumothorax, bleeding, infection, reexpansion pulmon

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Simulation-based mastery learning

Study Locations (1)