Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is an important skill in the investigation of rectal symptoms. This frequently performed examination is poorly taught and while students agree it is an important skill, their experience is often limited. Studies have suggested that structured teaching can improve confidence, knowledge, and ability of DRE. METHOD: Medical students from the University of Leicester attended a teaching program in DRE. It consisted of a lecture followed by objective structured clinical examination stations. These stations included the teaching of communication skills, utilized interactive scenarios, and DRE training with mannequins. Students were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire that assessed their skill level both prior to and following the workshop. RESULTS: A total of 377 students completed the workshop and all completed our questionnaire; 228 students (63.5%) had not previously performed a DRE. Before the workshop, 55% (199/360) were not confident in performing a DRE at all. Following the workshop, 19% (68/358) of students felt confident to perform a DRE independently, and the majority, 68% (223/358) felt confident to perform a DRE on a patient under supervision. The mean score following the workshop was 4.87, improving from 2.22 before the workshop. A Student t-test showed this improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.0001, 95% CI 2.65-2.64). CONCLUSIONS: The overwhelming feedback to our program is extremely favorable and demonstrates that medical students clearly benefit from a structured, interactive, and hands-on educational workshop in DRE.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jsurg.2012.09.009

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Surg Educ

Publication Date

2013

Volume

70

Pages

254 - 257

Keywords

Clinical Competence, Digital Rectal Examination, Education, Medical, Students, Medical, Surveys and Questionnaires