The ethics of intimate examinations—teaching tomorrow's doctorsCommentary: Respecting the patient's integrity is the keyCommentary: Teaching pelvic examination—putting the patient first
Similarly to the Intimate Examination Assistants (IEA’s) program in Antwerp, the University of Queensland School of Medicine runs successful and effective teaching sessions in the second year of the 4 year graduate entry MBBS program. The Clinical Teaching Associate (CTAs) program employs women from the public to provide and assist with the teaching of the "Well Woman Check". This entails a systematic breast examination, abdominal exam, bimanual vaginal examination, and speculum examination. The session is preceeded by an extensive discussion of anatomy, instrumentation and techniques, a videotape demonstration as well as discussion with the CTAs and teaching staff from the Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Perhaps of greatest importance is instruction on some of the specific communication skills and need to inform of the next step in the procedure. This component is about 2 hours in duration. 2 students and 2 CTAs then spend approximately 2 hours in the practical teaching session.
I believe that this process served me particularly well in the clinical years of the course. There is much to be gained from including clinical and communication aspects (which includes consent) in a single program.
Rapid Response:
The CTA Experience at UQ
Similarly to the Intimate Examination Assistants (IEA’s) program in Antwerp, the University of Queensland School of Medicine runs successful and effective teaching sessions in the second year of the 4 year graduate entry MBBS program. The Clinical Teaching Associate (CTAs) program employs women from the public to provide and assist with the teaching of the "Well Woman Check". This entails a systematic breast examination, abdominal exam, bimanual vaginal examination, and speculum examination. The session is preceeded by an extensive discussion of anatomy, instrumentation and techniques, a videotape demonstration as well as discussion with the CTAs and teaching staff from the Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Perhaps of greatest importance is instruction on some of the specific communication skills and need to inform of the next step in the procedure. This component is about 2 hours in duration. 2 students and 2 CTAs then spend approximately 2 hours in the practical teaching session.
I believe that this process served me particularly well in the clinical years of the course. There is much to be gained from including clinical and communication aspects (which includes consent) in a single program.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests