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Purpose

Continuing Education Opportunities

Technical Assistance

Statewide Conference - When funding is available, the WVBCCSP offers a statewide conference showcasing the latest information in breast and cervical cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. All WVBCCSP providers and Program partners are invited.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Information Programs (BCCIPs) - The WVBCCSP provides regional workshops and seminars on a variety of topics related to women’s health and Program policy. These continuing education sessions are available to WVBCCSP providers.

Public Health Nurse Physical Assessment Training (PHNPAT) -

 

	PHNPAT was developed to increase the number of qualified healthcare practitioners providing breast and cervical cancer screenings in health professional shortage areas.
	Since 1991, approximately 764 healthcare professionals have been PHNPAT trained, including 213 registered nurses.
	PHNPAT training includes, but is not limited to, instruction in the anatomy and physiology of the female breast and reproductive organs, pelvic examination, Pap test collection, and clinical and self breast exams.

 

A 2005 survey of participants indicated that 79% of PHNPAT trained healthcare providers are practicing in rural areas and 59% believe that without PHNPAT, the number of women screened for breast and cervical cancer in their areas would decrease.

PHNPAT Refresher - As of 2003, each PHNPAT certified nurse/physician must receive additional training once every five years to maintain their certification.

All technical assistance needs, such as trainings on the MammaCare method of CBE, forms completion, outreach techniques, and WVBCCSP policies and  procedures, are performed by WVBCCSP staff.

The Clinical Services Coordinator, a certified MammaCare Breast Self-Examination Instructor and MammaCare Clinical Breast Examiner, provides MammaCare training to WVBCCSP providers. The MammaCare method of CBE has been clinically proven to be the most thorough, systematic, and efficient method of examining breast tissue. Currently, there are only four certified MammaCare specialists in West Virginia and the WVBCCSP is proud to have one of them on staff.

Training on WVBCCSP forms, billing, policies and procedures, and provider outreach is performed by the Clinical Services Coordinator and the nine regional Cancer Information Specialists (CIS).