The structured clinical instruction module as a tool for improving students' understanding of breast cancer

The Structured Clinical Instruction Module (SCIM) is a novel format for teaching clinical skills. A multidisciplinary SCIM was presented to 30 medical students to improve their understanding of breast cancer. The SCIM consisted of 12 10-minute stations, each covering a different aspect of the diagnosis and management of breast cancer (e.g., history, physical examination, treatment options, mammography, cytology, and pathology). The students rotated through the various stations in groups of three. Nine patients and 14 faculty members participated. At the end of the SCIM, students, faculty, and patients rated their level of agreement (on a five-point scale ranging from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree") with statements on a multi-item evaluation questionnaire. All ratings were positive. The students agreed most that the small-group format was an effective instructional method (mean, 4.6). Both students and faculty agreed that the SCIM increased students' clinical skills (mean, 4.4 in both evaluations). Faculty expressed a willingness to participate in future such workshops (mean, 4.6). Patients agreed most strongly that they enjoyed the SCIM (mean, 5.0) and that faculty feedback to students was excellent (mean, 5.0). The SCIM was well received by all participants in this pilot project.