Table 1.

Teaching methods for learning the DRE, in order from least to most engaging

METHODDESCRIPTION
Didactic lecturesLearners are taught in a lecture setting step by step how to perform the procedure
Low-fidelity modelsLow-fidelity models, like mannequins, can mitigate trainee self-inhibition and improve skill acquisition
High-fidelity modelsHigh-fidelity models, such as standardized patients, can verbally guide trainees to finding anatomic and pathologic structures
Guided clinical exposureEmbedded clinical exposure in a patient population that has a high prevalence of relevant disease. As a resident, learning the DRE can be incorporated into relevant clinical care. Patients might be more comfortable giving consent to a trainee to practise the procedure given their disease or health status. Trainees can compare findings with expert staff preceptors to ensure they are assessing the anatomy and potential underlying disease correctly. One setting for high-volume clinical exposure to the DRE for family medicine residents could be a urology rotation
  • DRE—digital rectal examination.