Mind mapping combined with scenario simulation for medical interns’ thoracentesis training

ISRCTN	ISRCTN10119179
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10119179
Sponsor	Lanzhou University Second Hospital
Funder	Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province

Submission date: 07/06/2026
Registration date: 09/06/2026
Last edited: 09/06/2026

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Other

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Dr Degang Zhang
Principal investigator, Scientific, Public

No. 80, Cuixingmen, Chengguan District
Lanzhou
730030
China

Phone	+86 18298386121
Email	zhangdg18@lzu.edu.cn

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Allocation	Randomized controlled trial
Masking	Blinded (masking used)
Control	Active
Assignment	Parallel
Purpose	Health services research, Prevention
Scientific title	Effect of mind mapping combined with scenario simulation on thoracentesis competence among medical interns: a randomized controlled trial
Study objectives	To evaluate whether integrating mind mapping as a cognitive scaffold followed by scenario simulation improves thoracentesis competence and learner satisfaction compared with traditional lecture‑based instruction.
Ethics approval(s)	Approved 20/05/2025, Medical Ethics Committee of Lanzhou University Second Hospital (No. 80, Cuixingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, China; +86 0931 894 2234; lzhtwo@lz.gs.cninfo.net), ref: 2025 A-588
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Educational study on thoracentesis skill acquisition in healthy medical interns.
Intervention	This study uses a randomized controlled design. The method of randomization is computer-generated random numbers (using SPSS software) in combination with sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The allocation sequence is generated by an independent statistician who is not involved in participant recruitment or outcome assessment. Intervention group (MM+SS): 1‑hour mind mapping session (instructor‑developed mind map on “Thoracentesis Procedure” with four branches: pre‑procedure preparation, intra‑operative steps, post‑procedure care, precautions/complications), including 30 min individual self‑study and 30 min collaborative small‑group reconstruction. Followed by a 1‑hour scenario simulation using a standardized patient and high‑fidelity simulator, including history‑taking, informed consent, physical examination, full procedural execution, unexpected event management (e.g., sudden cough), and a 10‑min structured debriefing (“What? So what? Now what?”). Finally, 2 hours of hands‑on practice on a low‑fidelity thoracentesis manikin, with recall of the mind map and simulation steps. Control group (traditional lecture): 2‑hour lecture using PowerPoint covering anatomical landmarks, indications/contraindications, equipment, stepwise procedural execution (patient positioning, sterile preparation, local anesthesia, needle insertion, fluid aspiration, post‑procedure monitoring), and complication management. Followed by 2 hours of hands‑on practice on the same low‑fidelity thoracentesis manikin (without scenario simulation or mind mapping).
Intervention type	Behavioural
Primary outcome measure(s)	Skill performance on thoracentesis, comprising four domains: pre-procedure preparation, intra-operative technique, post-procedure care, and humanistic care & communication measured using the Modified Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) checklist at completion of the 4-hour training session (within 1 hour) Teaching satisfaction, assessing (1) increased interest in procedural learning; (2) clarity of conceptual understanding; (3) appropriateness/feasibility of the teaching model; (4) overall satisfaction with the learning experience, measured using 4-item anonymous questionnaire, at completion of the 4-hour training session (within 1 hour)
Key secondary outcome measure(s)
Completion date	28/02/2026

Eligibility

Participant type(s)
Age group	Adult
Lower age limit	20 Years
Upper age limit	30 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	60
Total final enrolment	60
Key inclusion criteria	1. Successful completion of core respiratory medicine coursework 2. No prior formal thoracentesis training 3. Full availability throughout the scheduled 2-week clinical rotation
Key exclusion criteria	Any unexcused absence of one or more days during the 2-week clinical rotation
Date of first enrolment	01/09/2025
Date of final enrolment	28/02/2026

Locations

Countries of recruitment

China

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No

Editorial Notes

08/06/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the Medical Ethics Committee of Lanzhou University Second Hospital, China.