A BREAST-CANCER SCREENING EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION TARGETING MEDICAL OFFICE STAFF

There is persistent evidence that breast cancer screening techniques r emain under-utilized. While physicians cite lack of time as a barrier to the provision of preventive services, nurses and other medical offi ce staff are in an ideal position to educate women and motivate adhere nce to screening recommendations. This paper describes the design, imp lementation and process evaluation of a breast cancer screening educat ional program targeting primary care medical office staff. This interv ention was conducted in two Washington State counties as part of a lar ger community organization study. The PRECEDE model, educational outre ach principles and focus groups were used to guide the program develop ment. Consistent with 'academic detailing' concepts, the sessions were delivered at health care facilities. The program included a review of breast cancer-related data and screening methods, an overview of the nurse's role as a 'change agent' and breast self-examination instructo r, and a discussion of women's barriers to mammography. Community-leve l penetration was relatively high, with sessions being completed by ap proximately 50% of the eligible staff. Overall, participants were posi tive about the value of the program. Medical office-based educational sessions have the potential of reaching a large proportion of primary health care workers and increasing disease prevention in communities.