Date of Graduation
1995
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive pilot study was to evaluate two patterns of search in breast self-examination for the thoroughness of search they engender. An instrumented breast model was developed and piloted for this study. Eight LVDT's were embedded in a silicone breast model. Downward pressure on the breast model resulted in displacement measures which were converted to digital signals through the use of an M102 module. A command software program recorded these displacement measures in a series of files. The research questions for the study addressed the following issues: what was the effect of the vertical strip pattern as compared with the concentric circle pattern on thoroughness of search in an instrumented breast model as measured by sensor displacement; and can patterns of search and thoroughness of search be documented by the use of an instrumented breast model? Two experiments were conducted. The first used faculty experts in women's health to establish the measurement capabilities of the model. Experiment Two involved 41 participants who initially completed a pre-test breast examination on the model. They were randomly assigned to one of two conditions in which order of presentation of the patterns was counterbalanced. All participants completed a training session on effective palpation techniques followed by post-test one and two. Results of the study noted no significant differences in total sensor displacement between the vertical strip and concentric circle patterns. Total time was significantly different between the pre-test trials and each of the post-tests. The sensors located on the lateral side of the model did have greater displacement in the vertical strip than in the concentric circle. These findings were however washed out in the total displacement by pattern by the relatively greater displacement measures for the central sensors. It was concluded that identification of pattern of search was discernable using an instrumented breast model. The greater displacement of central sensors was thought to arise from a greater overall potential for travel inherent in a denser section of the model. The ability to evaluate depth of displacement using an instrumented breast model enhances the potential utility of this technology.
Recommended Citation
Leight, Susan Bragg, "The use of an instrumented breast model of the examination of patterns of search in breast self-examination." (1995). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 9275.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/9275