Development of a curriculum in colposcopy

Colposcopy for the detection of genital malignancy and disease associated with human papillomavirus, along with cytologic screening and histopathologic correlation, allows for intervention before the onset of invasive disease. Family physicians are interested in learning colposcopy, but there are few reports in the literature on the training of colposcopists.

A colposcopy curriculum for family physicians was designed with goals, objectives, and instructional strategies selected to enhance learning and quality assurance of the current principles of colposcopic evaluation. During the pilot project, a third-year resident studied a syllabus and reviewed slides, practiced performance skills, and observed colposcopies. After demonstrating competence, the resident evaluated patients with instructor supervision and feedback.

Resident performance data from written test scores and a performance checklist indicated an excellent learning curve. High resident satisfaction was reported. Suggestions from expert reviewers were incorporated into the final curriculum product. The evaluation data indicated that, based on this pilot program, family practice residents can effectively learn colposcopy.

Colposcopy is a highly technical skill that can be learned by family physicians through professional training. Competency in colposcopy can provide a new dimension to their practice in the diagnosis and treatment of female lower-genital-tract disease. This colposcopy curriculum is an initial effort in the identification of the content and process required to train family physicians in the use of this diagnostic procedure.