Nurses' practice of breast cancer screening and early detection: results of a pilot survey.
Nursing has a professional responsibility to participate in cancer screening and early detection. Nurses represent the largest professional group in the health care workforce and are presently an underutilized potential resource for implementing breast cancer screening and early detection. Development of a reliable and valid instrument which could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to increase nursing's role in breast cancer screening and early detection is needed. The questionnaire tested in this pilot study represents an initial attempt at fulfilling this need. This questionnaire in its present form may be used to evaluate the results of intervention studies aimed at increasing nurses' practice of breast cancer screening and early detection. For example, the questionnaire could be used as an evaluation tool to examine the effectiveness of educational programs regarding breast cancer screening and early detection. It may also be used as an outcome measure to evaluate change in practice activities such as the effect on nursing practice of including questions on the nursing history and assessment form related to BSE, clinical breast exam and mammography. Results of nursing action in breast cancer screening and early detection could have a significant impact on the achievement of the NCI's year 2000 goal of a 30% reduction in breast cancer mortality.
Lillington
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Gilbert
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Morales
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D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires