Gynecologic simulation training increases medical student confidence and interest in women's health

Abstract

Background: Exposure to commonly performed gynecologic procedures via simulation has potential to improve medical student knowledge and foster confidence with procedures.

Purposes: To implement and evaluate a gynecologic simulation curriculum for 3rd-year medical students during their obstetrics and gynecology core clerkship.

Methods: A gynecologic simulation curriculum was implemented for medical students during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Participants completed pre-and postsurveys to assess learner confidence; effect on interest in a surgical field, women's health, and obstetrics and gynecology as a career; and whether the session met their learning needs.

Results: Fifty-nine students participated. Improved confidence in performing the procedures was noted when comparing mean survey scores before and after the simulation for IUD insertion and removal (1.9 pre, 4.3 post, p < .0001), for dilatation and curettage (1.7 pre, 3.8 post, p < .0001), and basic laparoscopy skills (2.1 pre, 4.3 post, p < .0001). An increase in pursuing a surgical field (3.3 pre, 3.6 post, p < .003) and interest in women's health (3.7 pre, 4.9 post, p < .004) was noted among students after the simulation session. The curriculum strongly met the students learning needs with a mean score of 4.54 on the 5-point scale.

Conclusions: Gynecologic simulation training for medical students can increase confidence in procedures, interest in pursuing a surgical field and women's health, and was highly effective in meeting student learning needs.