Gynecologic simulation training increases medical student confidence and interest in women's health.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to commonly performed gynecologic procedures via simulation has potential to improve medical student knowledge and foster confidence with procedures.


OBJECTIVE
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.
a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.
Caroline
C
Nitschmann
Deborah
D
Bartz
Natasha R
NR
Johnson
D001900:Boston; D002321:Career Choice; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D016544:Patient Simulation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health