Effect of an adolescent medicine rotation on medical students and pediatric residents.

This study evaluated the effects of an adolescent medicine rotation on the attitudes and skills in the care of adolescents of third-year pediatric residents and medical students. Competence, comfort, and prior training in four areas were assessed by a self-evaluation questionnaire. Ratings were made at the start of the year, prerotation, and post a four- to six-week rotation. Residents not taking the rotation were rated at the beginning and end of the year. In addition, pelvic-examination skills were assessed by the clinic nurse and by the patients during the first and last week of the rotation. There were no significant changes in those not taking the rotation. In those residents taking the rotation, there was no change from beginning of year to prerotation, but there were significant changes after the rotation. Only those residents taking the rotation indicated an increase in liking adolescents. Pelvic examination skills were rated significantly higher during the last week of the rotation by the nurse and patients. A one-year follow-up study continued to show significantly higher scores in those residents taking the rotation. An adolescent medicine elective may significantly improve medical students' and residents' self-assessed levels of competence, comfort, and training in adolescent health care and pelvic examination skills.