OR Team Member Perceptions Regarding Medical Students Performing Pelvic Examinations on Anesthetized Female Patients [11H

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions regarding medical students performing pelvic examinations on anesthetized female patients. METHODS: An internet based survey was distributed to OB/GYNs, OR nurses/techs, anesthesiologists/CRNAs, and medical students at multiple hospitals. Demographic data were collected. Non-demographic answers were recorded on a 5-point scale. Characteristics between groups were statistically compared using Chi-squared test for independence and the Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS: 337 OR staff/students completed the questionnaire. 72% believed permission should be obtained from patients prior to EUAs by medical students. 30% of respondents believed prior consent was usually obtained. 50% believed patients would agree to have EUAs performed. 80% of respondents believed patients would be upset if made aware an EUA by a medical student had been performed without their prior consent. Medical students were less likely to believe performing EUAs had educational benefit. 57% would recommend to female relatives to allow a medical student to perform an EUA on them. Medical students were less likely to believe it was appropriate for a student to perform EUA, less likely to believe there was educational benefit, less likely to believe patients would consent, and more likely to believe patients would be upset if they learned an unconsented exam had occurred. CONCLUSION: Despite the perception OB/GYN OR team members on consenting prior to medical students performing pelvic examinations on anesthetized female patients, this does not usually occur. Almost 50% of medical students would not encourage their female relatives to consent to medical students performing such EUAs.