Colposcopy and cervical biopsy educational training models

Background: Realistic simulation models serve meaningful educational purposes. The intent of this article is to review the physical and educational features of three instructional colposcopy models, and to discuss the advantages and implications of the use of models in teaching colposcopic skills. Methods: Models made from latex, steak, and the bovine cervix were assessed as instructional devices to simulate the uterine cervix and cervical disease. Model construction, preparation, and unique features were critiqued. The models were also evaluated for their potential use in the preclinical teaching of important colposcopic skills. Results: The latex model required minimal assembly but was costly. It was limited in design, which would exclude the training of most colposcopic techniques. The steak model used readily available materials, facilitated colposcopic skill acquisition, and was the least expensive model. The bovine model best simulated human cervical tissue, was intermediate in cost, and enabled teaching a variety of colposcopic procedures. The optional silicone inserts realistically demonstrated the spectrum of cervical disease. Conclusions: Various cervical biopsy models have different strengths and weaknesses for teaching colposcopic procedural skills. Available models each possess unique features designed to reproduce anatomy, pathology, tissue texture, and technical spatial limitations. The models permit assessment of gynecologic knowledge and psychomotor abilities.