Utilizing Clay Models for Resident and Patient Education For Understanding Benign and Malignant Breast Conditions

Purpose: - Examine the innovative use of clay models as an educational tool for understanding benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Discuss the value of the use of clay models in both resident training and patient education.
- Explore how clay models can improve communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding breast health.

Methods/Materials: Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for the effective management and follow-up of breast conditions and can improve patient comfort and proper adherence to regimens. Additionally, methods of resident education often rely on verbal explanations, images, or diagrams, which may not fully convey the complex nuances of breast conditions. We introduce the use of clay models as a novel and tactile approach to facilitate both resident training and patient education in understanding benign and malignant breast conditions.

Results: We present implementation of clay models as a visual and tactile aid in educating both medical residents and patients about benign and malignant breast conditions. Real life examples and scenarios are reviewed. Illustrated graphics, models and diagrams are presented. Residents who receive training using clay models can improve knowledge retention and a better understanding of breast anatomy, lesions, and tumor characteristics. Patients who receive one on one explanation utilizing 3D breast models can experience increased comfort, adherence, and follow-up.

Conclusions: The use of clay models represents an innovative and effective approach to educate medical residents and patients about benign and malignant breast conditions. This not only enhances residents' knowledge and understanding but also empowers patients to actively participate in their own healthcare decisions. Incorporating clay models into breast health education can improve communication, promote informed decision-making, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients with breast conditions.