A cross-sectional study on teaching pelvic examination in medical schools in the UK (the COTES study).

A cross-sectional study on teaching pelvic examination in medical schools in the UK (the COTES study). J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Feb 01;:1-5 Authors: Janjua A, Smith P, Clark TJ Abstract Gynaecological teaching associates (GTAs) appear to be effective in aiding medical students to acquire core skills in female pelvic examination (FPE). The aim was to explore the current provision for teaching and assessment of FPE in Obstetric and Gynaecological (O&G) placements across UK medical schools and in particular, the use of GTAs. An online survey was sent to undergraduate academic leads for O&G, representing 29 of the 30 UK medical schools. The response rate was 21/29 (72%). The average placement was 6.7 weeks and teaching of FPE varied including training on manikins (20/21, 95%), instruction in outpatient clinics (17/21, 81%) and instruction on anaesthetised patients (17/21, 81%). The survey revealed that anatomic pelvic models are combined with supervised instruction in outpatient clinics and operating theatres. GTAs are used by less than a third of medical schools, and where used are thought to enhance teaching in this core skill in contrast to those universities not using GTAs. Short placements, a reluctance to use GTAs and a lack of formal assessment may adversely impact upon the competency of newly qualifying medical students in FPE. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Experience of female pelvic examinatio...
Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Category: OBGYN Tags: J Obstet Gynaecol Source Type: research