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Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe : a pan-European survey

Forsea, A M ; Tschandl, P ; Del Marmol, V ; Zalaudek, I ; Soyer, H P ; Geller, A C ; Argenziano, G and Nielsen, Kari LU orcid (2016) In British Journal of Dermatology 175(6). p.1329-1337
Abstract

BACKGROUND: When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.

METHODS: All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using... (More)

BACKGROUND: When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.

METHODS: All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudes relating to dermoscopy utility.

RESULTS: We collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of dermoscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment (58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during residency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers (P < 0·001). Dermatologists working in public hospitals were the least likely to use dermoscopy. High use of dermoscopy across the spectrum of skin diseases was reported by 62% of dermoscopy users and was associated with dermoscopy training during residency, the use of polarized light and digital dermoscopy devices, longer dermoscopy practice, younger age and female gender.

CONCLUSIONS: Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment, especially in public healthcare facilities and establishing dermoscopy training during dermatology residency would further enhance the substantially high dermoscopy use across European countries.

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organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
British Journal of Dermatology
volume
175
issue
6
pages
9 pages
publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
external identifiers
  • pmid:27469990
  • scopus:85000415166
ISSN
1365-2133
DOI
10.1111/bjd.14895
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
56e37362-cfbf-4e2b-88da-8b40b364dab9
date added to LUP
2017-05-18 10:31:44
date last changed
2024-06-09 16:53:01
@article{56e37362-cfbf-4e2b-88da-8b40b364dab9,
  abstract     = {{<p>BACKGROUND: When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.</p><p>OBJECTIVES: To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.</p><p>METHODS: All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudes relating to dermoscopy utility.</p><p>RESULTS: We collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of dermoscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment (58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during residency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers (P &lt; 0·001). Dermatologists working in public hospitals were the least likely to use dermoscopy. High use of dermoscopy across the spectrum of skin diseases was reported by 62% of dermoscopy users and was associated with dermoscopy training during residency, the use of polarized light and digital dermoscopy devices, longer dermoscopy practice, younger age and female gender.</p><p>CONCLUSIONS: Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment, especially in public healthcare facilities and establishing dermoscopy training during dermatology residency would further enhance the substantially high dermoscopy use across European countries.</p>}},
  author       = {{Forsea, A M and Tschandl, P and Del Marmol, V and Zalaudek, I and Soyer, H P and Geller, A C and Argenziano, G and Nielsen, Kari}},
  issn         = {{1365-2133}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{6}},
  pages        = {{1329--1337}},
  publisher    = {{Wiley-Blackwell}},
  series       = {{British Journal of Dermatology}},
  title        = {{Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe : a pan-European survey}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.14895}},
  doi          = {{10.1111/bjd.14895}},
  volume       = {{175}},
  year         = {{2016}},
}