A prospective study of the acquisition of vaginal examination skills using simulation.

Objective: To determine the number of sessions required using procedural simulation to acquire the skill of vaginal examination, which is an essential part of obstetrics, but a difficult learned skill.

Methods: Using a high-fidelity simulator, we conducted a prospective, single-center, single-blind study, at the Angers School of Midwifery. A class of students completed a theory course, and took part in three simulation sessions.