Purpose: An
innovative approach to train students to provide trauma-informed care for survivors
of sexual assault (SA) through independent learning.
Background: All medical providers encounter patients who have experienced SA, and can
have significant impact on survivors; long-term health. Training medical
students to provide appropriate, trauma-informed care is lacking in most
medical school sexual health curricula. Appealing to the millennial learner, we
developed three downloadable video/podcast-style modules for on-the-go use.
Methods: We worked with interdisciplinary experts in trauma-informed care to
develop modules on interviewing patients with recent and distant history of SA
and acute medical management. The study group was a cohort of interested
medical students. Students completed pre- and post-tests assessing knowledge,
and a paired t-test evaluated overall change in knowledge test scores. Students
responded to a Lichert-style question on self-reported comfort caring for this
population, and responses were analyzed with a chi-square test.
Results: Thirty-two medical students spanning all years beta-tested the modules and
97% completed the study. Overall, student knowledge scores improved 20% (95%
CI=16%-23%, p<0.0001). After completing the curriculum, students reported a
significantly improved comfort level (p=0.0250). Students enjoyed the learning
format and reported the modules enhanced their education (72-88%) and were
appropriate for their education level (69-97%).
Discussions: Following
completion of modules, students demonstrated improved knowledge and reported
increased confidence in caring for this patient population. These modules seek
to empower students to step beyond screening in their care for patients with
sexual trauma history. Future directions include publication of existing
modules and expansion of the module library.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2018, Student, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, UME, Lecture, Independent Study, Standardized Patient, Advocacy, General Ob-Gyn, Sexuality,
Molly Siegel, MD
