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 (str ongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Results. The mean overall evaluation s for the BCEP components were: SCIM, 4.6; lecture, 4.0; manual 3.8, and PB L 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 discus sion (4.2) had prepared them for the SCIM. Conclusion. This innovative BCEP effectively improved students' understanding of breast cancer.