Purpose: To
assess whether a low-cost didactic workshop on intrauterine devices (IUDs)
improves preclinical medical students’ knowledge and comfort with counseling
patients on IUDs.
Background: Medical school reproductive health curricula often lack teaching regarding
IUDs. Preclinical medical students have insufficient knowledge and training to
counsel patients about IUDs.
Methods: Preclinical medical students completed a survey before and after a
voluntary IUD didactic workshop at the University of Washington. The session
consisted of a 45-minute lecture and 45-minute hands-on simulation of IUD
insertion. The primary outcome was comfort level with IUD counseling.
Results: Ninety-eight students completed both pre- and post-workshop surveys. Most
students planned to enter primary care specialties. . More than half of
students had seen at least one IUD inserted and almost all students (91%) had
an IUD themselves or knew someone personally who had one. The proportion of
students scoring 75% or higher on the IUD knowledge questions increased from
55% prior to the workshop to 91% after completing the workshop (p < 0.001).
The proportion of students who felt comfortable counseling patients on IUDs increased
from 31% to 90% (p < 0.001).
Discussions: A
simple, low-cost workshop increases medical students’ knowledge and comfort
with IUDs. This workshop could serve as a framework for medical schools to
ensure students receive appropriate education and hands-on learning related to
IUDs prior to entering their clinical rotations and for their future careers.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2018, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, UME, Simulation, Lecture, Contraception or Family Planning, General Ob-Gyn,
Carlie Field, MD
