The effectiveness of the breast self-examination facilitation shield.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree to which the recently developed breast self-examination facilitation shield (i.e., breast shield) is effective in helping women detect breast lumps during breast self-examination (BSE).

DESIGN

Women were randomly assigned to examine silicone lump breast models while using the breast shield and while not using the breast shield.

SETTING

A university medical center school of nursing in a mid-Atlantic state.

SAMPLE

52 English-speaking women, predominantly healthcare professionals, ages 18 through 67, who had no physical limitations that might impede lump detection using their fingers.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Lumps correctly detected, lumps falsely detected, and time needed to complete the examination while using or not using the breast shield during examination.

FINDINGS

Women correctly identified more than half of the lamps in models, regardless of whether or not the breast shield was used. False lump detection was not increased while using the breast shield. Time taken to perform breast examination increased, often significantly (p < or = 0.05), while using the breast shield.

CONCLUSIONS

Lump detection using the breast shield was similar to that of not using the breast shield. Use of the breast shield did not increase false positive reports and was associated with increased examination time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The breast shield provides or useful complement to teaching BSE. While guiding a woman's fingers over her breast following the exam pattern, the nurse can indicate and teach about underlying breast structures and can provide an individualized, graphic guide to monthly BSE.