A multidimensional approach to breast cancer education.
BACKGROUND
This study was undertaken to present a multidimensional breast cancer education package (BCEP) to medical students in an effort to improve breast cancer education.


METHODS
The students were exposed to a four-part BCEP consisting of a hands-on structured clinical instruction module (SCIM), a lecture, a problem-based learning (PBL) small-group discussion, and a written manual. Each component was evaluated with a questionnaire. Students responded to the items using a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).


RESULTS
The mean overall evaluations for the BCEP components were: SCIM, 4.6; lecture, 4.0; manual 3.8, and PBL discussion, 3.6. Highly rated qualities of the SCIM included organization (4.7), faculty preparedness (4.8), and opportunity to practice skills (4.5). The students agreed that the lecture (4.1), manual (3.8), and PBL discussion (4.2) had prepared them for the SCIM.


CONCLUSIONS
This innovative BCEP effectively improved students' understanding of breast cancer.
Plymale
M
M
Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40536-0084, USA.
Donnelly
M B
MB
Blue
A V
AV
Felts
J
J
McGrath
P C
PC
Kenady
D E
DE
Schwartz
R W
RW
Sloan
D A
DA
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires