Development and implementation of a science training course for breast cancer activists: Project LEAD (leadership, education and advocacy development).
OBJECTIVE
To develop and implement Project LEAD (leadership, education, and advocacy development), a science course for breast cancer activists.


METHODS
Students were breast cancer activists and other consumers, mainly affiliated with advocacy organizations in the United States of America.


METHODS
Project LEAD is offered by the National Breast Cancer Coalition; the course takes place over 5 days and is offered 4 times a year, in various cities in the United States of America.


RESULTS
The Project LEAD curriculum has developed over 5 years to include lectures, problem-based study groups, case studies, interactive critical appraisal sessions, a seminar by an 'expert' scientist, role play, and homework components. A core faculty has been valuable for evaluating and revising the course and has proved necessary to provide consistent high quality teaching. Course evaluations indicated that students gained critical appraisal skills, enhanced their knowledge and developed confidence in selected areas of basic science and epidemiology.


CONCLUSIONS
Project LEAD comprises a unique curriculum for training breast cancer activists in science and critical appraisal. Course evaluations indicate that students gain confidence and skills from the course.
Dickersin
K
K
Department of Community Health, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02912, USA. kay_dickersin@brown.edu
Braun
L
L
Mead
M
M
Millikan
R
R
Wu
A M
AM
Pietenpol
J
J
Troyan
S
S
Anderson
B
B
Visco
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006265:Health Care Coalitions; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States