Patients’ attitude and factors influencing the acceptance of medical students’ participation in pelvic examination

Abstract

Introduction: Pelvic examination of patients in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob-Gyn) is an important skill for medical students. Because it involves a physical assessment of the patients' genitalia, patients may refuse medical students to participate in the examination, affecting the medical students' clinical skills. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Naresuan University Hospital to determine the factors that influence the acceptance of medical student participation in the pelvic examinations. A total of 198 out-patients from the Ob-Gyn department were included. A Likert scale questionnaire was designed which featured topics on patients’ attitudes and circumstances related to medical student involvement in gynaecological procedures. Results: The majority of outpatients (71.7%) accepted the participation of medical students in pelvic examinations. Patients with prior experiences in physical and pelvic examination by medical students had a significant impact on the patients' acceptance (P-value<0.001). The patients’ impressions had an influence on the decision to accept students in pelvic exam participation. Approximately 40% of patients were concerned about the breach of confidentiality. However, most patients strongly agreed that allowing medical students to perform pelvic examination would benefit their medical education. Conclusion: Most of the participants permitted medical students to participate in pelvic examinations and preferred that the medical instructor be the one to request permission. The patients’ impressions of medical students were crucial factors that significantly influence their decision whether to allow or deny them to participate in the procedure. Disclosure of confidentiality was found to be matters of concern to most patients.