Effect of an adolescent medicine rotation on pelvic examination skills of paediatric residents

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Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of an adolescent medicine rotation on paediatric residents' pelvic examination skills. Measurements were: self-evaluations pre- and post-rotation; nurse's evaluations of pelvic examination performance during the first and last week of the rotation; and patients' evaluations. The self-evaluation was also given at the start and at the end of the year to residents not taking the rotation. Twenty-four third-year residents were evaluated during the year. Eighteen subjects taking the rotation showed significant improvement post-rotation in the areas of competence, comfort, evaluation of training and importance to career, while the six residents not taking the rotation showed no change. The nurse's evaluation of the pelvic examination showed increases in comfort level, skill, awareness of adolescents' feelings, and ability to explain and reassure. Patient ratings were high at the beginning of the rotation and showed no significant change post-rotation. An adolescent medicine rotation significantly improved pelvic examination skills as assessed by self-ratings and a nurse's evaluation. A rotation in adolescent medicine can play a crucial role in developing gynaecological skills in paediatric residents.