Asian Breast Surgery Forum: Advancing Collaborative Learning Across Borders

The Asian Breast Surgery Forum (ABSF) is a training and knowledge-sharing platform that advocates for multidisciplinary collaborations among participants. Based on the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model, the forum aims to foster virtual case-based learning and skill-building to democratize access to specialty care.

With Malaysia as its hub, the ABSF has engaged medical experts from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Vietnam and India. The paired samples t-test was used to determine if there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in participants' engagement and learning outcomes. The Chi-square test (goodness-of-fit and test of independence) was used to determine significant differences in post-session survey questions.

Between 2023 and 2025, ABSF had conducted 15 sessions, connecting 400 participants from 61 cities in 24 countries. The paired samples t-test found significant difference in the level of comfort/preparedness in using the knowledge gained (p < 0.001). Goodness-of-fit analysis highlighted meaningful differences in participants' perceptions across key aspects. In the test of independence, fulfillment of learning objectives was closely aligned with pre-session expectations [χ²(4) = 17.20, p = 0.002], indicating that the likelihood of fulfillment was significantly varied between objective categories. Overall feedback achieved a 100% satisfaction rate and a net promoter score (NPS) of 68.

Most participants found the sessions to be highly relevant, with nearly all agreeing that the balance between lectures and interactivity was optimal. Through feedback and integration of cutting-edge techniques, the forum could continue leveraging digital platforms to enhance healthcare outcomes.