In her work with a national network of Native American cancer researchers and educators, Dr. Marilyn Roubidpix performed breast cancer research among Native Americans and served as a volunteer mammorgrapher on reservations. Dr. Roubidoux recognized the need to develop culturally appropriate and relevant breast cancer materials for patients and providers.
Screening for breast cancer has been improved in rural areas by training lay health advisors (Community Health Representatives) to assist with healthcare in Native American tribes. But, such lay people need quality training and culturally specific teaching resources. There are very few computer-based information resources about breast cancer that are interactive or culturally relevant for Native American healthcare.
Studies show that among Native American women, culturally specific materials about breast cancer are more effective than multiracial or generic materials. Development of the internet and advances in multimedia technology have expanded the role of computer-assisted instruction in medical education programs. Computer use is increasing in Indian Country, with computers widely establised in the Indian Health Service and Alaska tribal clinics, including broadband internet connectivity and technology for telemedicine.
Problem-based learning or storytelling, rather than just presenting learners with information, may be more effective to motivate patients and affect health behavior. Gaming and storytelling are historically popular activities among Native Americans. Such computer resources can be utilized for patied and provider education in clinics and teaching conferences, to supplementing exisiting tools such as videos and brochures. Those who work with Native American groups have seen internet skills and acess increasing rapidly among Native Americans, and accurate, meaningful, and culturally targeted health information should be available.
Dr. Roubidoux, in collaboration with others, developed three interactive computer games to improve knowledge about breast cancer screening and diganosis among Native American patients and their healthcare providers, as well as to teach cultural relevancy to non-Native students and healthcare providers. A $5000 grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation helped fund the development of the games.
"Native Breast Cancer Detective" has two version - one for patients and one for providers and MD/nursing studnets. "Breast Care Bingo" is intended for patients. "Breast Health Advisor" can be used by patients or providers. These games can be accessed via the following links:
Breast Cancer Detective Game www.med.umich.edu/lrc/breastcancerdetective
Breast Cancer Detective (provider version) www.med.umich.edu/lrc/bcdnativecircle/
Breast Care Bingo www.rad.med.umich.edu/div/BreastImaging/BCBgame.swf
Breast Health Advisor www.rad.med.umich.edu/div/BreastImaging/BreastHealthAdvisor.dcr
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