An evaluation of the integration of non-traditional learning tools into a community based breast and XXXX education program: the Witness Project of Buffalo.

@entity5 @entity1
BACKGROUND: Breast and @entity5 continue to represent major health challenges for African American @entity1 . among Caucasian @entity1 . The underlying reasons for this disparity are multifactorial and include lack of education and awareness of screening and early detection. Traditional educational methods have enjoyed varied success in the African American community and spawned development of novel educational approaches. Community based education programs employing a variety of educational models have been introduced. Successful programs must train and provide lay community members with the tools necessary to deliver strong educational programs. METHODS: The Witness Project is a theory-based, breast and @entity5 educational program, delivered by African American @entity1 , that stresses the importance of early detection and screening to improve survival and teaches @entity1 how to perform breast self examination. Implementing this program in the Buffalo Witness Project of Buffalo required several modifications in the curriculum, integration of non-traditional learning tools and focused training in clinical study participation. The educational approaches utilized included repetition, modeling, building comprehension, reinforcement, hands on learning, a social story on breast health for African American @entity1 , and role play conversations about breast and cervical health and support. RESULTS: Incorporating non-traditional educational approaches into the Witness Project training resulted in a 79% improvement in the number of @entity1 who mastered the didactic information. A seventy-two percent study participation rate was achieved by educating the community organizations that hosted Witness Project programs about the informed consent process and study participation. CONCLUSION: Incorporating non-traditional educational approaches into community outreach programs increases training success as well as community participation.
