Skin cancer referrals by nonmedical practitioners: a prospective observational study.
Clin Exp Dermatol
; 49(9): 1048-1051, 2024 Aug 22.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38549548
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of suspected skin cancer referrals made by nonmedical practitioners (NMPs) and compare this with referrals made by local general practitioners (GPs). Data were collected prospectively from patients referred from primary care to a UK hospital dermatology department. The profession of the referrer was ascertained from review of referral letters and direct questioning. Patient records and subsequent histology reports were reviewed to determine the ultimate diagnoses. Eighty-nine per cent of patients (n = 668/753) were referred by GPs vs. 11.3% (n = 85/753) by NMPs. Fifty-one per cent of patients (n = 340/668) in the GP group and 55% (n = 47/85) in the NMP group were discharged without intervention (P = 0.45). An ultimate diagnosis of skin malignancy was made in 196 of 668 (29.3%) patients in the GP and 25 of 85 (29%) patients in the NMP group (P = 0.99). These early data suggest significant potential for NMPs to become more involved in skin lesion assessment.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encaminhamento e Consulta
/
Neoplasias Cutâneas
Limite:
Adult
/
Aged
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Aged80
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Exp Dermatol
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article