Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions
regarding medical students performingpelvic examinations on anesthetized female
patients.
Background: Pelvic exams performed under anesthesia continues to
be a controversial topic, but studies looking at medical staff are lacking.
Methods: An internet based survey was distributed to OB/GYNs,
OR nurses/techs,anesthesiologists/CRNAs, and medical students at multiple
hospitals and medical schools.Demographic data were collected. Non-demographic
answers to questions were recorded on a 5-point scale. Characteristics between
the respondent groups were statistically compared usingChi-squared test for
independence and the Fisher’s Exact Test.
Results: 337surverys were completed. 72% of respondents
believed permission should be obtained from patientsprior to the performance of
EUAs by medical students on anesthetized femalepatients. 30% of respondents
believed prior consent was usually obtained. 50% believed patients would agree
to have the exams performed. 80% thought patients would be upset if an EUA by a
medical student was performed on them without their prior consent. 32% of
nurses believed medical students should be allowed to examine anesthetized
patients. Medical students were less likely to believe it was appropriate
for a student to examine a patient, there was an educational benefit, and that
patients would consent.
Discussions: Despite the perception of all OB/GYN OR team members that
consent should be obtained beforemedical students perform pelvic examinations
on anesthetized female patients, this does notusually occur. Almost 50% of
medical students would not encourage their female relatives toconsent to
medical students performing such pelvic examinations.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Professionalism, GME, Quality & Safety, Advocacy,
Elizabeth Rice, DO,
Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia; White Chase,
MD; John
Myers, DO;
Janet Ko,
MD; Jay
Goldberg, MD;
David Jaspan,
DO
