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Biomedical subjects

Patrick D Bridge

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick D Bridge.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Promoting informed decision making: evaluating a community-based prostate health awareness program.

BACKGROUND: For health educators, the controversy surrounding routine prostate cancer screening provides curriculum development and delivery challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community-based prostate health awareness program. METHODS: Using a pretest-posttest design, participants were recruited from community-based organizations to assess the effectiveness of the program in the areas of knowledge gain, short-term intentions, and changing prostate health behaviors. RESULTS: Many of the participants reported having been tested for prostate cancer, yet there was a lower than expected pretest knowledge base. There were significant increases in knowledge on the posttest and some impact on short-term intentions and behavior. DISCUSSION: A community-based prostate health awareness program prior to the patient-physician encounter can assist health-care professionals in the education process and give men the tools to make an informed decision.

Adult↗

Measurement practices: methods for developing content-valid student examinations.

Measurement experts generally agree that a systematic approach to test construction will probably result in an instrument with sound psychometric properties. One fundamental method is called the blueprint approach to test construction. A test blueprint is a tool used in the process for generating content-valid exams by linking the subject matter delivered during instruction and the items appearing on the test. Unfortunately, this procedure as well as other educational measurement practices is often overlooked A survey of curriculum administrators at 144 United States and international medical schools was conducted to assess the importance and prevalence of test blueprinting in their school. Although most found test blueprinting to be very important, few require the practice. The purpose of this paper is to review the fundamental principals associated with achieving a high level of content validity when developing tests for students. The short-term efforts necessary to develop and integrate measurement theory into practice will lead to long-term gains for students, faculty and academic institutions.

Administrative Personnel↗

Evaluation of a preparatory community-based prostate health education program.

BACKGROUND: Medical organizations are divided on the issue of screening for prostate cancer, yet there is agreement that men should be educated about prostate health. Shared decision making involves patients and practitioners in this process, yet some men need preparatory education prior to the physician encounter. This study assessed the effectiveness of a community prostate health awareness program, focusing on men at risk for prostate cancer. METHODS: Participants were given a pretest and a posttest to assess knowledge gains and impact on short-term intentions to address their prostate health. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge. Short-term intentions increased for those participants meeting the inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: Community outreach programs remain an excellent vehicle to educate the public and complement the efforts of health care providers.

Health Education↗