Evaluation of an instructional program for breast self-examination (BSE)

Abstract

Two hundred and three patients participated in a study designed to evaluate a structured learning package for teaching competent breast self-examination (BSE) at a Screening Center. The package consisted of modeling, practice without feedback on a breast model, and limited practice and feedback on the patients' own breasts. Performance proficiency was evaluated by an observer as the number of BSE's steps correctly practiced during pre and post-training evaluations. A questionnaire to gather information about patients history, knowledge, and attitudes toward BSE and breast cancer was also used. Results show that more than 80% of the patients who could improve did so in most steps of both components, visual inspection and palpation. In addition, only 31% of the patients performed a perfect and complete BSE immediately after the teaching session. The two steps patients failed the most were checking the axillary-tail and covering the complete breast. A corrective procedure to improve the teaching package is discussed.