Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE)Physician Assistant Student Simulation Training in Ultrasound-Guided Procedures Using Synthetic Cysts and Formalin-Embalmed Cadavers

This single-center interventional study evaluated simulation-based ultrasound-guided cyst drainage training for 37 physician assistant students using synthetic cysts embedded in formalin-embalmed cadavers. The methodology demonstrated strong educational outcomes with objective skills assessment and validated confidence measures.

⚕️ Key Clinical Considerations ⚕️

• Statistical Significance: All participants showed significant confidence improvements (P < 0.0001) across ultrasound-guided procedure competencies post-training.
• Performance Metrics: Students averaged 1.9 needle attempts and 143-second completion times, with 95% successfully completing skills assessment.
• Methodology Strength: Randomized instructor assignment, validated global rating scale assessment, and standardized teaching protocols ensured reliable outcomes.
• Evidence Quality: Pre-post design with objective skills testing provides moderate-level evidence for simulation training effectiveness.
• Study Limitations: Single-center design, volunteer participation bias, and lack of control group limit generalizability of findings.

🎯 Clinical Practice Impact 🎯

• Patient Communication: Simulation training enables PAs to discuss ultrasound-guided procedures with greater confidence and technical accuracy when counseling patients about procedural expectations and success rates.
• Practice Integration: Low-stress cadaver-based training can be incorporated into PA curricula to develop procedural competencies before clinical rotations, reducing patient risk during learning phases.
• Risk Management: Enhanced pre-clinical training may decrease iatrogenic complications and improve first-attempt success rates when PAs perform ultrasound-guided procedures on live patients.
• Action Items: PA programs should consider implementing cadaver-based ultrasound simulation training, particularly for rural-bound graduates who may require greater procedural autonomy in practice.

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