Teaching medical students gynaecological examination using professional patients -: evaluation of students' skills and feelings

Gynaecological examinations are especially sensitive, both for the inexperienced student and for the woman being examined. To assist the students in this process, we have introduced a separate training session for medical students using so- called professional patients during the first week of the course in obstetrics and gynaecology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome, attitudes and feelings towards this type of training and to gain knowledge on how to further develop the method. After the training session, students, teachers and professional patients were asked to fill in anonymously different questionnaires assessing their views on the education. In conclusion students, teachers and professional patients found this training programme with professional patients to be of great value. It was felt that the teaching session reduced stress and anxiety; the students were relieved, calmer and more secure after the training. It is strongly recommended that this type of programme with professional patients should be used for teaching gynaecological examination techniques to medical students.