Breast Self-Examination Proficiency: Pilot Evaluation of an Instructional Audiotape

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of a refresher instructional audiotape on breast self-examination (BSE) proficiency after proficiency was trained to criteria. Subjects ( N = 46) were trained individually in an initial session to perform BSE competently. Following this session, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two testing conditions: tape or no tape; the test session occurred one week after the initial session. Tape subjects were tested using the tape. Results indicated that subjects in both conditions were practicing BSE at high proficiency levels one week post-training. The use of the tape in no way compromised proficiency, and in fact it resulted in improved (though statistically nonsignificant) levels of specific proficiency variables (i.e., search duration and proper use of fingers). The tape may be a valuable tool in maintaining BSE proficiency during home-practice once BSE is trained.