External Breast Prosthesis Training

Lesson 1 • Radiation and Chemotherapy Effects on Tissue

Explains how adjuvant therapies alter skin integrity and tissue resilience. Guides fitters in adjusting prosthesis choices for treated tissue.

Lesson 2 • Breast Anatomy and Tissue Structures

Covers glandular, fatty, and connective tissue layers plus lymphatic pathways. Provides the anatomical vocabulary needed throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Post-Surgical Chest Wall Assessment

Teaches visual and tactile assessment of the post-surgical chest wall. Identifies contraindications and precautions relevant to prosthesis fitting.

Lesson 1 • Prosthesis Categories and Indications

Surveys full, partial, and asymmetric prostheses and their clinical indications. Establishes a classification framework used in all subsequent fitting chapters.

Lesson 2 • Materials, Construction, and Weight

Examines silicone, foam, fiberfill, and hybrid materials and their mechanical properties. Links material choice to patient comfort, activity level, and skin tolerance.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Quality Standards

Covers medical device classification, quality management requirements, and labeling standards. Ensures students select and recommend only compliant products.

Lesson 4 • Ethical and Professional Standards

Defines scope of practice, informed consent, and confidentiality obligations for fitters. Anchors professional conduct expectations for the entire course.

Lesson 1 • Psychosocial and Body Image Assessment

Screens for body image distress, grief, and adjustment challenges using validated tools. Connects emotional readiness to prosthesis acceptance and fitting success.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Communication Skills

Applies active listening, empathic language, and trauma-informed techniques during fittings. Reduces patient anxiety and builds trust essential for accurate assessment.

Lesson 3 • Conducting a Comprehensive Patient Intake

Structures the intake interview to capture medical history, lifestyle, and prosthesis goals. Builds the data foundation for all fitting decisions.

Lesson 4 • Setting Goals and Documenting the Care Plan

Translates assessment findings into measurable fitting goals and a written care plan. Ensures continuity of care and provides a baseline for outcome evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Bra Sizing for Post-Surgical Patients

Adapts standard bra sizing methods to account for asymmetry and chest wall changes. Accurate sizing prevents prosthesis migration and skin irritation.

Lesson 2 • Post-Mastectomy Bra Design Features

Identifies pockets, wide straps, soft cups, and closure types specific to post-mastectomy bras. Connects design features to functional and comfort requirements.

Lesson 3 • Evaluating Fit Quality and Comfort

Applies a systematic checklist to assess band stability, strap tension, and prosthesis position. Identifies and corrects common fit problems during the appointment.

Lesson 1 • Adhesive and Self-Adhesive Prostheses

Covers skin preparation, adhesive application, and safe removal for adhesive prostheses. Addresses contraindications including radiation-damaged and sensitive skin.

Lesson 2 • Prosthesis Size and Shape Selection

Uses measurement data and contralateral breast profile to select optimal prosthesis dimensions. Systematic selection reduces trial-and-error and appointment time.

Lesson 3 • Fitting Partial and Shell Prostheses

Addresses unique placement challenges for partial resection and lumpectomy patients. Teaches contouring techniques to restore natural breast shape after partial loss.

Lesson 4 • Positioning and Symmetry Techniques

Demonstrates correct placement within the bra pocket to achieve bilateral symmetry. Proper positioning prevents posture problems and prosthesis displacement.

Lesson 1 • Bra Care and Pocket Maintenance

Provides washing instructions, drying guidelines, and pocket inspection routines for post-mastectomy bras. Bra condition directly affects prosthesis security and skin safety.

Lesson 2 • Storage and Transportation Best Practices

Covers storage cases, temperature ranges, and travel precautions for prosthesis protection. Proper storage prevents deformation and extends prosthesis lifespan.

Lesson 3 • Identifying Wear, Damage, and Replacement Criteria

Teaches patients and fitters to recognize surface tears, gel leakage, and shape loss. Timely replacement prevents skin irritation and loss of functional support.

Lesson 1 • Elderly and Mobility-Limited Patients

Addresses dexterity limitations, skin fragility, and cognitive factors in older patients. Adapts fitting and education methods to support independent prosthesis use.

Lesson 2 • Fitting Patients with Lymphedema

Identifies how lymphedema affects chest wall contour and prosthesis tolerance. Teaches pressure-safe fitting strategies and referral pathways for lymphedema management.

Lesson 3 • Active and Athletic Patients

Selects sport-specific prostheses and supportive bras for patients with high activity levels. Addresses sweat, movement, and impact challenges unique to athletic use.

Lesson 4 • Bilateral Mastectomy Fitting Strategies

Adapts assessment and selection processes when both breasts are absent. Focuses on achieving balanced weight distribution and natural anterior projection.

Lesson 1 • Designing Individualized Education Plans

Creates written education plans tailored to patient literacy, language, and learning style. Structured plans improve adherence to care and maintenance instructions.

Lesson 2 • Navigating Prosthesis Changes Over Time

Prepares patients for body changes that require prosthesis updates, including weight shifts and aging. Proactive planning maintains comfort and confidence long-term.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling and Conducting Follow-Up Appointments

Establishes a follow-up schedule aligned with healing stages, weight changes, and prosthesis wear. Timely reviews prevent complications and maintain fitting quality.

Lesson 4 • Outcome Measurement and Quality Improvement

Applies validated patient-reported outcome tools to evaluate fitting success and satisfaction. Outcome data drives continuous improvement in fitting practice.