The ABCs of a gynaecological teaching associate (GTA) programme
Authors: Callahan Molly , Polonko Isle 
Published: November 2022

Gynaecological/Male Urogenital Teaching Associate (GTA/MUTA) methodology is considered the gold standard of invasive genital examination technique. Lay persons are trained in the technique of invasive genital examinations and patient-centred, trauma informed communication, and autonomously instruct learners on how to comfortably perform this examination using their own bodies as a teaching tool.

GTAs/MUTAs function simultaneously as an autonomous instructor and a simulated patient during the exam. GTAs and MUTAs instruct clinical invasive examination techniques in a structured educational setting with a predetermined curriculum on which they have been trained, while letting learners perform these exam techniques on their bodies. Existing alternatives to GTA/MUTA education include the use of anesthetized patients, cadavers, plastic anatomical models (task trainers) and/or voluntary examinations on peers.

There are unique benefits to the GTA/MUTA programme from both an institutional and learner perspective. Learner’s benefits unique to GTA/MUTA education include decreased learner anxiety [1], immediate feedback on examination technique with regard to patient’s physical comfort, and the opportunity to practise patient communication skills while performing such examinations. Institutional benefits unique to GTA/MUTA methodology are that after the initial setup cost, funds are saved removing the need for faculty to perform the examination instruction. Learner proficiency is higher compared to learners taught by physicians [1], and increased proficiency saves time and cost associated with learners being taken off clinical rotation to receive supplemental genital examination technique instruction. The use of simultaneous patient-instructors also introduces ‘elements of sensitivity and humanism’ to the examination [2] by having students learn to involve their patient and incorporate their perspective with regard to comfort and patient education information. By learning this examination from GTAs/MUTAs, a new model of physician patient relationship is taught, with GTAs/MUTAs functioning as informed collaborators rather than docile, uninformed patients [3].

In order to implement such a programme in an institution, among the first tasks is to obtain funding. This funding can be sought from grants or via institutional funds. Institutions may even choose to grow their GTA/MUTA programme to contract with outside institutions where this clinical examination instruction is needed. Other preparatory steps include establishing a curriculum, observing an established GTA/MUTA programme session to assess the format, and recruitment and training of GTAs and MUTAs. Once the programme is established, a clinical skills training day may be implemented. Implementing such a programme improves the learners’ experience and provides them with an increased understanding of sound technique that will benefit their patients in the long term.

1. Theroux R, Pearce C. Graduate students’ experiences with standardized patients as adjuncts for teaching pelvic examinations. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2006;18(9):429–35.

2. Kretzschmar RM. Evolution of the Gynecology Teaching Associate: an education specialist. American Journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 1978;131(4):367–73.

3. Underman K. Feeling Medicine: How the Pelvic Exam Shapes Medical Training. New York, New York University Press; 2020.