Valentina Larrivey, Emory University School of Medicine
Sarah Samaranayake, Emory University School of Medicine
Natalie Rilo, Emory University School of Medicine
Vanessa Fleites, Emory University School of Medicine
Introduction
Reproductive health education for university students, recent graduates, and pre-health students is lacking. Education and training in reproductive health topics, including contraception, is important for all healthcare trainees and will ultimately impact patient care. Effective training can allow providers to comfortably discuss topics related to reproductive and sexual health with patients and adequately promote shared decision-making. In an effort to introduce concepts prior to formal graduate programs, we developed a medical student-led workshop for pre-health students in Emory’s HealthPREP summer pathway program that included identifying the importance of family planning, reviewing contraceptive methods, addressing health disparities in reproductive health, simulating patient-centered care with shared decision-making through a case-based activity, and practicing IUD insertion and other contraceptive methods using models.
Methods
The workshop was conceptualized, designed, and delivered by three Emory medical students in the clinical phase of their training. Fifteen student participants in the Emory HealthPREP 2024 cohort were surveyed before and after the workshop using a 5-point Likert Scale based on knowledge and confidence levels related to the learning objectives. Pre- and post-survey data were compared for each student with paired T-tests.
Results
Post-survey data demonstrated statistically significant improvement in knowledge and confidence of primary objectives, compared with pre-survey results.
Conclusions
Despite the acknowledged importance of contraception training and counseling, there is variability in education and confidence for trainees. Our study demonstrates that introducing reproductive health topics to students earlier in their education could enhance their knowledge and confidence levels and spark future involvement in advocacy with respect to how current legislation impacts their patients and profession. Medical students as workshop leaders for pre-health students may also function as a valuable teaching opportunity and exercise for graduate-level trainees.