A pilot study to integrate an immersive virtual patient with a breast complaint and breast examination simulator into a surgery clerkship

Use of Breast Simulators Compared with Standardized Patients in Teaching the Clinical Breast Examination to Medical Students

“…This is in contrast to the findings of Pugh et al 17 and Deladisma et al 18 that reported significant improvements in medical student comfort levels when using simulators. Although we did detect increased comfort/confidence, we propose use of simulators to teach medical students how to perform the CBE before their clinical years.…”

The Educational Utility of Simulations in Teaching History and Physical Examination Skills in Diagnosing Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature

“…Since 1994, there has been a widespread development of high fidelity computer simulations and virtual reality systems in response to this disadvantage. Other forms of simulation also have been found to enhance the traditional methods of education [11]. Deladisma et al [11] investigated whether a curriculum designed to teach breast history taking during a third-year surgery clerkship could provide adequate preparation to a medical student for an interaction with a real patient by reducing their anxiety, thereby making them more confident.…”

“…Other forms of simulation also have been found to enhance the traditional methods of education [11]. Deladisma et al [11] investigated whether a curriculum designed to teach breast history taking during a third-year surgery clerkship could provide adequate preparation to a medical student for an interaction with a real patient by reducing their anxiety, thereby making them more confident. In their study, all of the students (n=21) received a 1-hour didactic lecture regarding the symptom presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of common breast complaints.…”

“…Within 1 week of the interaction, all of the students in both groups performed a history and breast examination on a real patient in a surgical oncology clinic. Their results showed that the students in the virtual patient group reported a higher level of confidence (4.3) than the control group (3.5), as measured on a Likert-type scale where 1 (least confident) and 5 (most confident) in their history-taking skills [11]. …”

Simulation Training Impacts Student Confidence and Knowledge for Breast and Pelvic Examination

“…Draycott et al [14] found a reduction in neonatal injury from 9.3 to 2.3 % before and after shoulder dystocia training. Recently, Deladisma et al [15] showed that students reported significantly greater confidence and less anxiety in performing breast exams after a single interaction with a breast mannequin. Dayal et al [16] observed that students who received simulation training in vaginal deliveries participated more actively in the clinical environment, demonstrated competency with maneuvers, and felt more confident during their clerkships.…”