Continuing education in the physician's office: a pilot study for breast exams

In response to a recent study indicating that primary care physicians were interested in receiving breast-screening education, an office-based training program was developed and delivered to fourteen physicians in Vermont and Florida. A nonphysician trainer and simulated patient provided instruction and feedback in clinical breast examination and in patient instruction in breast self-examination. Measurements of physician palpation skills before and after the training showed substantial skill improvement, and the office-based session was found to be highly acceptable by all participants.