A multi-phase structured cascade model for mass training of community healthcare workers in performing clinical breast exams in remote regions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clinical breast exam (CBE) by outreach healthcare workers (HCW) may help downstage breast cancer in resource-limited areas where mammography may not be feasible. We evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot cascade-model training programme for HCWs in remote areas of Pakistan.

Methods

The training programme comprised three phases. In phase one, fellowship-trained breast surgeons at a metropolitan academic centre trained six HCWs to perform CBEs. In phase two, these six HCWs (master trainers) trained 15 additional HCWs, implementing cascade training. In phase three, the consultant breast surgeon conducted a re-evaluation and refresher course for all 21 HCWs at least one year after the original training session. We assessed CBE ability and skills through pre- and post-

SUBMITTER: Masroor T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11659790 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature