Pre-clerkship Preparation from Live Patient Practice Pelvic Examination

Our previous survey found students perceived live patient practice pelvic examinations (PPE) helpful for clinical rotations. Therefore, we wanted to follow up after Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) rotations to determine if the experience was truly preparatory. This study tested the hypothesis that practice pelvic examinations on a live teaching patient during the pre-clinical medical school curriculum increases students’ knowledge, confidence and comfort during the clinical years Ob/Gyn clerkships. Questionnaires were emailed to third and fourth year medical students. Sixteen questions were asked related to demographics, pelvic examination experience, and perceptions regarding experience during Ob/Gyn clerkship. Data were collected and descriptive statistics generated. Ninety-seven students (28%) completed the survey (36 male, 61 female). As a result of the PPE experience with a live teaching patient, 96% students felt prepared for their first pelvic examination during rotations. During rotations, 91% students felt more confident/comfortable performing their first examination; 92% indicated knowing what (and how) to tell the patient about the examination; 92% knew how to hold a speculum; 91% knew how to bimanually locate the cervix. Additionally, 92% students would feel confident/capable performing a pelvic examination, without physician assistance. Furthermore, 95% students agreed/strongly agreed that the teaching patient pelvic examination experience during pre-clinical medical school curriculum helped prepare them for clinical rotations. Results indicate that PPEs, utilizing a live teaching patient, improve medical student confidence and comfort during this examination in clinical clerkships. By alleviating anxiety during sensitive examinations, this experience will improve the clinical experience of medical students, physicians, and patients.

Med Sci Educ 2011; 21(4): 320-325