Abstract
Background
This study explores the long-term effectiveness of a newly developed clinical skills
curriculum.
Methods
Students (N = 40) were exposed to a newly developed, simulation-based, clinical breast
exam (CBE) curriculum. The same students returned one year later to perform the CBE
and were compared to a convenience sample of medical students (N = 15) attending a
national conferences. All students were given a clinical vignette and performed the
CBE. CBE techniques were video recorded. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences
in CBE technique.
Results
Students exposed to a structured curriculum performed physical examination techniques
more consistent with national guidelines than the random, national student sample.
Structured curriculum students were more organized, likely to use two hands, a linear
search pattern, and include the nipple-areolar complex during the CBE compared to
national sample (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Students exposed to a structured skills curriculum more consistently performed the
CBE according to national guidelines. The variability in technique compared with the
national sample of students calls for major improvements in adoption and implementation
of structured skills curricula.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 04, 2017
Accepted:
November 28,
2017
Received:
August 8,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
