Avaliação de diferentes estratégias de ensino sobre habilidades, atitudes e conforto durante a realização do exame ginecológico: estudo randomizado controlado em estudantes de medicina

Abstract

Performing a gynecological examination is an essential skill in medical training. Various interventions have been proposed to improve the technique of the examination and to teach professionalism. The intimate nature of the gynecological assessment can sometimes generate fear and anxiety among medical students. Justification: There is a need to enhance the quality of teaching the gynecological examination.Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of three different teaching strategies (textbook reading, video demonstration of the gynecological examination, and patient testimonials about the gynecological examination) on skills, attitudes, and comfort in performing the gynecological examination by medical students. Literature Review: A review was conducted on teaching the gynecological physical examination, emphasizing its relevance in the training of general practitioners and teaching strategies discussed in previous studies. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with fifth and sixth-year students from the Faculty of Medicine at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. The study took place between June 2022 and June 2024. Scales for measuring fear/anxiety and student satisfaction with performing the gynecological examination and training were assessed, as well as evaluation by specialists in simulated laboratory settings and real clinical environments, in addition to patient evaluations regarding aspects related to care. Results: All three groups showed improvements in learning and reductions in fear/discomfort. The group with the patient testimonial video had the best results in performing the examination and the lowest fear scores. Conclusions: The study demonstrated low-cost methodologies that can be incorporated into teaching strategies, having an impact on skills, attitudes, and comfort in performing the gynecological examination by medical students.