KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The study aimed to investigate the impact of an online course on improving PCPs’ skills in triaging digital skin lesion images.
- Researchers noticed that the course improved PCPs’ triage skills, potentially impacting referral rates; further research is ongoing.
Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, necessitating regular and thorough skin checks for survivors to monitor for potential recurrences or new lesions. In the Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) trial, an innovative approach was employed where melanoma survivors used a mobile app to submit images of concerning skin lesions for evaluation by a dermatology nurse.
Maria Ntessalen and the team aimed to assess the impact of this online course on the ability of PCPs to effectively triage digital images of skin lesions, thereby contributing to better management of melanoma survivors and potentially reducing unnecessary secondary care referrals.
They performed an inclusive analysis by holding preliminary discussions with primary care practitioners (PCPs) to identify the need for an online course focused on triaging digital images of skin lesions. The course developed at the University of Aberdeen, was structured to include an introduction to the skin, case studies, and quizzes based on a variety of skin conditions, particularly those submitted by melanoma survivors through the ASICA app.
To evaluate the course’s effectiveness, two pre- and post-course questionnaires were administered to all participating PCPs. These questionnaires were designed to assess knowledge gained and any improvements in confidence and attitudes towards triaging skin lesions potentially indicative of skin cancer.
Nearly 70 medical practices in the Grampian area were contacted, inviting all PCPs to participate in the study. The results were subsequently analyzed using a paired sample T-test to determine the statistical significance of the changes observed.
About the course advertised to all GP practices in the Grampian area, 38 PCPs completed all its stages. Undertaking the course improved all PCPs’ confidence and attitudes towards triaging (P<0.001). It also improved knowledge in all non-GP PCPs (P=0.01). Most participants found the course useful; believed it was at the right level of difficulty, and right format, and thought the design was good.
The study concluded that the online course in triaging skin lesions submitted digitally to PCPs, effectively enhanced knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards triaging. The course was well-received in terms of design, usefulness, and applicability to practice. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of the course on secondary care referral numbers.
This study was funded by NHS Endowments Research Grants.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39103798/
Ntessalen M, Krasniqi A, Murchie P, (2024). “Development and piloting of an online course to improve knowledge, confidence and attitudes towards triaging images of skin lesions submitted online in primary care.” BMC Med Educ. 2024 Aug 5;24(1):839. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05840-1. PMID: 39103798; PMCID: PMC11301848.
