The effectiveness of gynaecological teaching associates in teaching pelvic examination: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

An increasing number of graduating students are unable to competently and confidently perform a pelvic examination. Gynaecology teaching associates (GTAs) teach technical and communication skills and offer immediate feedback. The objective was to perform a systematic literature review to assess whether teaching pelvic examinations using real women who are trained to give instructions on technique and feedback improves the competence, confidence and communication skills of trainees when compared with traditional teaching methods.