Use of equine cadaver limb models to enhance veterinary student self-efficacy during arthrocentesis.

This study investigates whether using modified equine cadavers for practice can enhance veterinary students’ confidence and skills in performing arthrocentesis, a procedure to remove joint fluid for diagnostic purposes. Researchers found that these modified cadavers provided more fluid and, overall, their use improved students’ self-efficacy in performing arthrocentesis.

Research Goals and Methods

• The research aimed to discover whether modified equine cadavers could serve as better models for practicing the technique of arthrocentesis, potentially improving the volume of fluid obtained and reducing the number of needle redirects needed.
• 19 third-year veterinary students voluntarily took part in the research study.
• The study was structured over four sessions of related laboratory work. Half the sessions used unmodified cadavers, while the other half used cadavers with artificially distended joints.
• Self-efficacy, referring to students’ belief in their capability to successfully conduct the procedure, was gauged through surveys before and after the lab.
• During the experiments, researchers recorded both the volume of fluid retrieved from the joints and the number of needle redirects required.

Research Findings

• Researchers observed larger fluid volumes collected from distended metacarpophalangeal (joint of the large toe) and distal interphalangeal joints (joint nearest to the tip of the toe).
• No significant difference was found in the number of needle repositions between the two types of cadavers.
• Student self-confidence increased for both the modified and unmodified groups with regard to the metacarpophalangeal joint, but the increase was only seen for the modified group for the distal interphalangeal joint.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Even though modified cadavers provided a higher fluid yield, multiple attempts were still necessary for proper needle positioning in both modified and unmodified cadavers.
• The act of carrying out arthrocentesis boosted students’ self-belief.
• The researchers concluded that the specific model used to practice equine arthrocentesis may be less consequential than the amount of practice itself.
• To enhance skill proficiency and self-confidence, the researchers suggest that veterinary curriculums should provide multiple opportunities for students to practice equine arthrocentesis.