Fear of causing harm: use of mannequin-based simulation to decrease student anxiety prior to interacting with female teaching associates.

Background: There is a paucity of research assessing the potential benefits of mannequin trainers when preparing students to interact with teaching associates.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to better understand the effects of mannequin-based simulators on student comfort toward learning specific aspects of the clinical female pelvic exam.

Methods: First-year medical students (N = 344) were surveyed before and after a mannequin-based simulation curriculum to assess their comfort levels toward learning the female pelvic exam.