AB1394 Development of a series of simulators and design of a course based on clinical simulation, for teaching diagnostic approach to patients with joint pain and suspected rheumatic diseases
Authors: S.A. Mora Alfonso, D.G. Fernández Ávila
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> The teaching of clinical approaches to patients with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and SpA (Spondyloarthritis) requires both a practical and a theoretical component, and there are difficulties in having real patients for teaching. Previously our group has shown the use of clinical simulation in rheumatology, an area in which it had not been used. We demonstrated the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on clinical simulation to improve the diagnostic approach to RA1. Thus, the idea emerged to apply clinical simulation in the field of RA and SpA teaching. An exhaustive search of the scientific literature through May 2017 revealed no works on clinical simulation for rheumatic diseases. The simulation models recieved a patent for intellectual property and utility for education, with a 10–year protection. <h3>Methods</h3> Design and installation a life–sized mannequin and separate anatomical parts (five hands, six fingers, three feets) with a set of semiological findings for SpA and RA <h3>Results</h3> We have designed unique simulation models –a life–sized mannequin and separate anatomical parts (five hands, six fingers, three feets) with a set of semiological findings for SpA and RA. Each simulator (artificial hands, finger or feet) has natural size and was made of epoxy resin. The simulators ligaments, muscles and support tissues were made of silicone rubber, and the simulator was covered by polyurethane skin on an acrylic support. Each hand, feet or finger has various semiological findings of SpA and RA (synovitis, pannus, enthesitis, dactylitis, joint deformities, classical findings of psoriatic nails and psoriatic plaques) made from materials that generated textures very similar to those found in real patients. Learning is transferred from interacting with the models by using the sense of touch to feel and perceive how the clinical manifestations of the diseases are. The workshops comprise a six-stage rotation where the anatomical models are accompanied by a brief video describing a clinical case. After viewing the video participants interacts with the models to understand and recognise each of the clinical features of SpA and RA, as if in a real patient. Whereas in regular workshops where knowledge is transfer through a keynote speaker and visual images, this one is a total learning by the experience of touching and feeling. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The present research is a pioneer and innovator in the rheumatology education. In this vein, we hope that this research is the first in the context of a new way of teaching rheumatology, educational process and eventually will have a global projection that allows the creation of a course for early diagnosis and initial treatment of rheumatic diseases, similar to what is currently done in cardiology with ACLS and in trauma with ATLS <h3>Reference</h3> [1] Fernández-Ávila DG, Ruiz ÁJ, Gil F, Mora SA, Tobar C, Gutiérrez JM, Rosselli D.The effect of an educational intervention, based on clinical simulation, on the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.Musculoskeletal Care. 2017;1–5.DOI: 10.1002/msc.1228 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared