[Training of medical students for pelvic examination: Benefits of teaching on anatomic models]

To evaluate the benefits of training sessions for pelvic examination using anatomic models.

The medical students (MS) registered in their 5th year of medical studies at Angers University Hospital had to complete two anonymous questionnaires; one at the beginning of the workshop and one at the end. Every procedure which included pelvic exam (PE), vaginal sample (VS), smear test (ST), insertion of a speculum and insertion of intra-uterine device (IUD) was evaluated.

Seventy-one MS answered both questionnaires. They were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcomes of the workshop in 91 % of the cases. At the beginning of the workshop, 28 %, 52 %, 30 %, 25 % and 3 % reported a low level of difficulty to carry out, respectively, a PE, VS, ST, insertion of a speculum, insertion of an IUD. At the end of the session, there were respectively 55 %, 83 %, 76 %, 66 % and 16 % of MS to report a low level of difficulty of these same procedures. For all of these procedures, there were a significant (P<0.05) number of MS who estimated the procedure's level of difficulty as being low at the end of the session.

The level of technical difficulty of all procedures was significantly decreased at the end of the workshop.