Effect of augmented visual performance feedback on the effectiveness of clinical breast examination training with a dynamically configurable breast model

Clinical breast examinations (CBE) are an important component in breast cancer screening. Inadequate training of tactile skills may contribute to a low and variable CBE sensitivity range. Based on previous investigations, we investigated adding visual feedback of pressure changes in balloons embedded in silicone under palpation to provide learners with positive confirmation of their performance, thus enhancing confidence in lump detection and improving sensitivity and specificity. The experiment tested the effects of visually augmented training by comparing training groups which receive either: a) no training (only verbal), b) palpation practice without feedback, or c) visually augmented feedback. The experiment utilized signal detection theory and included 18 medical students who completed a pretest, training, and a postest but found no significant differences between the training groups.