Touch-pad technology: immediate feedback for resident educators in teenage reproductive health

To describe a program for residents in obstetrics and gynecology to design, research, and present an innovative teaching activity to secondary-school students in reproductive health.

An interactive 3-hour assembly was held for 285 grade-9 and -10 students. Six residents chose topics that encompassed key areas in adolescent health (menstruation, contraception, risk-taking behaviors, sexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]). Each gave an interactive presentation designed to address issues identified through anonymous questions submitted by the students in advance. Touch-pad technology was used throughout the presentations to ascertain the students' knowledge about, and attitudes toward, a range of reproductive health issues. Each resident participant completed a follow-up questionnaire.

Touch-pads provided a unique format, allowing teens to respond candidly to sensitive topics anonymously while providing important feedback to resident educators to help them focus their presentations and address areas of greatest need. Resident participants reported that by preparing these presentations, they honed their knowledge about contraception, STDs, and teen sexuality; identified important community resources for teens; and were sensitized to issues unique to teen sexual-health counseling.

This project provided an opportunity for residents to improve their knowledge of teenage sexuality and to develop skills as teachers, while forging a valuable link between the community and the university.