- Carla M Pugh: Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 201 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2908, USA. drpugh@northwestern.edu
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research assessing the potential benefits of mannequin trainers when preparing students to interact with teaching associates.
PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to better understand the effects of mannequin-based simulators on student comfort toward learning specific aspects of the clinical female pelvic exam.
METHODS: First-year medical students (N = 344) were surveyed before and after a mannequin-based simulation curriculum to assess their comfort levels toward learning the female pelvic exam.
RESULTS: Causing harm was the top cause of student anxiety toward learning the pelvic exam. Although the mannequin-based simulation curriculum was effective in significantly increasing (p < .001) student comfort levels toward learning the pelvic exam, the majority of students progressed from being "very uncomfortable" with the exam to being "somewhat comfortable."
CONCLUSION: We suggest that mannequin-based simulators be used prior to students' learning experience with pelvic exam teaching associates.