Fear of causing harm: use of mannequin-based simulation to decrease student anxiety prior to interacting with female teaching associates.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research assessing the potential benefits of mannequin trainers when preparing students to interact with teaching associates. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to better understand the effects of mannequin-based simulators on student comfort toward learning specific aspects of the clinical female pelvic exam. METHODS: First-year medical students (N = 344) were surveyed before and after a mannequin-based simulation curriculum to assess their comfort levels toward learning the female pelvic exam. RESULTS: Causing harm was the top cause of student anxiety toward learning the pelvic exam. Although the mannequin-based simulation curriculum was effective in significantly increasing (p < .001) student comfort levels toward learning the pelvic exam, the majority of students progressed from being "very uncomfortable" with the exam to being "somewhat comfortable." CONCLUSION: We suggest that mannequin-based simulators be used prior to students' learning experience with pelvic exam teaching associates.