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The current and future role of general practitioners in skin cancer care: an assessment of 268 general practitioners
Author(s) -
Rijsingen M.C.J.,
Bon B.,
Wilt G.J.,
LagroJanssen A.L.M.,
Gerritsen M.J.P.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.12935
Subject(s) - library science , medicine , family medicine , computer science
Summary Background Given the increase in skin cancer ( SC ) it seems inevitable that general practitioners ( GP s) will play a larger role in SC care in the near future. Objectives To obtain insights into the opinion of GP s with respect to their role in SC care, and their SC knowledge and skills. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to GP s in the region of Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Results In total 268 GP s (49%) responded. An overwhelming majority were willing to extend their role in SC care. Furthermore, we noted the following results: (i) > 50% of GP s requested additional SC knowledge; (ii) GP s often treat actinic keratosis ( AK ) themselves, primarily with cryotherapy; (iii) > 50% would treat (low‐risk) basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ) after additional training; (iv) only a few GP s are familiar with BCC guidelines; (v) the majority of patients with high‐risk SC are referred to dermatologists; (vi) only a few GP s perform total body inspection and palpation of lymph nodes; and (vii) a large number of GP s inform their patients on risk factors in SC development. Conclusions Most GP s are willing to extend their role in SC care; however, more training is requested and the usage of guidelines should be encouraged. Those willing to extend their role should focus on improving their clinical diagnosis of skin tumours, treatment of low‐risk skin (pre)malignancies, including field‐directed treatment of AK and noninvasive treatment of BCC , and on prevention.