Frequently Asked Questions
Training in pelvic examination can be difficult to acquire as patients can be reluctant to be examined by those undergoing training and you might feel anxious about hurting the patient. Healthcare professionals in clinics can sometimes be rushed and lack the time needed for detailed training.
What is the GTA programme?
The GTA programme for medical students is method of teaching speculum and bimanual examination which has been shown in research studies to be both acceptable and effective. It has been widely used in the USA, Europe and Australia- and now for over 15 years in the UK- with considerable success. During a GTA session you will be taught the technical and communication skills required for pelvic examination in a relaxed, unhurried environment and you will receive immediate feedback on your skills while you are learning. Other sessions for qualified health professionals are tailored to their specific requirements, but often include refreshers on speculum and bimanual techniques, how to measure and fit diaphragms, and taking swabs for STIs.
Who are the GTAs?
GTAs are laywomen who have been recruited from the community and trained how to perform these pelvic examinations, and how to teach this to medical students and qualified clinicians. They all have a special interest in women’s health and in improving medical education. They have undertaken an extensive training course and been formally assessed at the end of this. They are very committed to training you and you will find them well-informed, supportive and non-judgemental. They appreciate that for many of you this will be one of the first times you have had the opportunity to do a pelvic examination and they will talk you through it at your own pace so that your skills and confidence are built.
Who will be at the training session?
For undergraduate medical students a GTA training session will usually involve four students with two GTAs. For qualified nurses or doctors student numbers vary in size according to student requirements. There will not be a doctor or nurse present.
What are the aims of the GTA sessions?
The overall aim of the GTA programme is to increase students’ confidence and competence with respect to the technical and communication skills involved in undertaking gynaecological examination. For medical students the specific learning objectives are that by the end of the session you should be able to:
- demonstrate appropriate communication skills for undertaking intimate examinations
- understand potential concerns for patients undergoing intimate examinations
- pass a speculum and identify the cervix
- understand the procedure for taking a cervical smear
- perform a bimanual examination and recognise normal pelvic anatomy
What will a GTA training session involve?
The GTAs will introduce themselves to you and outline the structure and ground rules of the session. For medical students the GTAs role-play a clinic situation where the patient has come in for a cervical smear and ‘internal examination’. Through the role-play the communication skills and technical procedures required for the speculum and bimanual examinations are demonstrated, with the students observing. Emphasis is placed on communication skills in particular, and as trained laywomen the GTAs are well placed to teach you this. Each student will have an opportunity to practice these procedures and skills under the supervision of the GTAs. You will then receive feedback from both GTAs, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
How long will the session last?
A training session will last approximately two and a half hours. This is because each student undertakes a full examination and also watches their colleagues, which provides reinforcement and opportunity for questions. You may be able repeat the examination if you do not feel happy with your performance.
What are the advantages of the GTA programme?
- Real, practical examination experience
- A relaxed, unhurried, supportive learning environment
- Immediate and personalised feedback
- An opportunity to learn by observing peers
- An opportunity to repeat examinations until you feel confident and competent