Enhancing Patients’ Satisfaction and Sun-Protective Behaviors Using the ABC Method of Physician-Patient Communication

The incidence and mortality rates from skin cancer have been rapidly increasing in the United States in recent decades, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 39 years,1 emphasizing the need for individuals to establish habits of sun protection. Despite knowing the dangers associated with UV light (UVL) exposure, many individuals do not practice sun-protection behaviors.2 Physician-patient communication, along with the availability of appropriate information, is necessary to elicit essential behavior change and consequential use of sun protection among patients. Research has shown that communication methods using motivational interviewing measures for a patient-centered approach have positively improved numerous health-related habits and behaviors.3 To optimize physician-patient communications about UVL protection, Mallett and colleagues4 developed the ABC (Addressing Behavior Change) method of physician-patient communication for use by dermatologists during a routine office visit that includes a skin examination. The ABC intervention is a 2- to 3-minute conversational tool used to enhance patients’ sunscreen use and sun-protective behaviors made up of 6 components based exclusively on motivational interviewing principles: (1) assess UVL exposure; (2) assess sunscreen use; (3) explore barriers to sunscreen use; (4) facilitate removal of barriers to sunscreen use; (5) assess additional use of sun protection; and (6) summarize patients’ motivations and ideas for improved sun-screen use. Recent research has found that dermatologists who used the ABC intervention liked it, were able to learn it quickly, and used it with good fidelity over an extended period (6 months).4 The focus of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the ABC intervention on patient outcomes to determine if this technique is associated with improvement in patient satisfaction and immediate intentions to enhance their sun-protective behaviors.