|
|||||
|
|
Development and implementation of a science training course for breast cancer activists: Project LEAD (leadership, education and advocacy development) |
|
| Authors: | Kay Dickersin MA PhD,,Lundy Braun PhD,,Margaret Mead PhD,,Robert Millikan DVM PhD,,Anna M. Wu PhD,,Jennifer Pietenpol PhD,,Susan Troyan MD,,Benjamin Anderson MD, & Frances Visco JD |
| Affiliation: | Department of Community Health, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA;Department of Pathology, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA;Department of Urban and Environmental Policy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA;Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA;Department of Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA;Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA;Breast Care Center and Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, USA;National Breast Cancer Coalition, Washington, DC, USA |
| Abstract: | Objective To develop and implement Project LEAD (leadership, education, and advocacy development), a science course for breast cancer activists. Population Students were breast cancer activists and other consumers, mainly affiliated with advocacy organizations in the United States of America. Setting Project LEAD is offered by the National Breast Cancer Coalition; the course takes place over 5 days and is offered 4 times a year, in various cities in the United States of America. Results The Project LEAD curriculum has developed over 5 years to include lectures, problem-based study groups, case studies, interactive critical appraisal sessions, a seminar by an 'expert' scientist, role play, and homework components. A core faculty has been valuable for evaluating and revising the course and has proved necessary to provide consistent high quality teaching. Course evaluations indicated that students gained critical appraisal skills, enhanced their knowledge and developed confidence in selected areas of basic science and epidemiology. Conclusions Project LEAD comprises a unique curriculum for training breast cancer activists in science and critical appraisal. Course evaluations indicate that students gain confidence and skills from the course. |
| Keywords: | breast cancer education patient advocacy peer review |