The SOGC and APOG respond to demand for clearer guidelines regarding pelvic
examinations by medical students

OTTAWA, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Featured in the September edition of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada is a revised joint policy statement developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada (APOG) that provides clear guidelines regarding the performance of pelvic examinations by medical students.

Regardless of the specialty that medical students choose to pursue, as health-care practitioners, they need to learn to perform pelvic examinations. These assessments are an integral part of a complete physical examination, any gynaecological visit and are fundamental to planning any gynaecological medical or surgical intervention.

While the use of standardized patients and models can be effective in teaching medical students, the best means of consolidating the knowledge acquired is to examine a patient in a real clinical setting.

"Most patients are willing to participate in medical education. What this new policy statement does is make it clear that patients must be aware of, understand, and consent to the involvement and roles of medical students in the care they are going to receive", said Dr. André Lalonde, executive vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Many women undergoing pelvic surgery may not be aware of the role medical students play, or of the importance of performing a pelvic examination at the time of surgery. This joint policy statement clearly outlines the requirement for physicians and students to be explicit about student participation.

The sensitive nature of pelvic examinations makes it challenging to teach and to learn. This is why it is so important that medical students perform these exams only under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health-care professional.

Although the previous guideline stated that patients should be informed when medical students are involved in performing a pelvic examination under anaesthesia, this document goes further to ensure that patient consent is explicit.  Dr. Alan Bocking, President of the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada, stated that "we want to ensure an environment whereby the student receives the best possible training, under the watchful eye and expert guidance of an experienced health-care professional, and the patient receives the highest quality of care possible."

For further information:

Natalie Wright
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
[phone] or 1-800-561-2416, extension 366