Breast Cancer Surgery Decision-Making and African-American Women.

Prior research has used focus group methodology to investigate cultural factors impacting the breast cancer experience of women of various ethnicities including African-Americans; however, this work has not specifically addressed treatment decision-making. This study identifies key issues faced by African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer regarding treatment decisions. We used an interpretive-descriptive study design based on qualitative data from three focus groups (n = 14) representing a population of African-American women in central Pennsylvania.

Screening for psychological distress in surgical breast cancer patients.

Background: This pilot study assessed the levels of patient emotional distress and impact on clinic throughput time.

Methods: From April through August 2012, 149 breast cancer patients at the Penn State Hershey Breast Center were screened with the emotions thermometer (ET), a patient-rated visual 0-10 scale that measures distress, anxiety, depression, anger, burden, and need for help. Also, patients indicated their most pressing cancer-related concerns.

Shared decision making in breast cancer: national practice patterns of surgeons.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess national practices of surgeons who treat breast cancer in order to identify opportunities to improve patient education.

Methods: In June 2012, the membership of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) (n = 2,818) was surveyed via email questionnaire to evaluate their current practice of shared decision making and informed consent for breast cancer patients.

Results: A total of 737 members (26 %) responded, including 384 breast surgeons and 306 general surgeons, 13 midlevel providers, and 25 other specialists.

Use of breast simulators compared with standardized patients in teaching the clinical breast examination to medical students.

Objective: Simulators have replaced some standardized patients in medical student teaching, and their use seems to decrease anxiety related to the clinical breast examination (CBE). We compared learning the CBE on a breast palpation simulator with learning on a standardized patient with respect to skill acquisition and comfort level.

Methods: At Penn State College of Medicine, the class of 2008 (historical control group, n = 113) learned the CBE on a standardized patient, whereas the class of 2009 (experimental group, n = 131) learned on the breast palpation simulator.

Challenges confronting female surgical leaders: overcoming the barriers.

Background: The number of women reaching top ranks in academic surgery is remarkably low. The purpose of this study was to identify: 1) barriers to becoming a female surgical leader; 2) key attributes that enable advancement and success; and 3) current leadership challenges faced as senior leaders.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews of ten female surgical leaders queried the following dimensions: attributes for success, lessons learned, mistakes, key career steps, the role of mentoring, gender advantages/disadvantages, and challenges.