The effectiveness of an Internet-based tutorial in improving primary care physicians' skin cancer triage skills

J Cancer Educ. 2002 Spring;17(1):7-11. doi: 10.1080/08858190209528784.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of an Internet-based skin cancer triage intervention for physicians.

Methods: Physicians were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The 14 outcome measures included diagnosis and evaluation planning for malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Results: Forty-six physicians (27 of 39 in the intervention group) completed the program. The intervention group scored significantly higher than did the control group in nine of 14 outcome measures; this improvement was maintained for five of the nine outcomes.

Conclusion: The Internet intervention improved physicians' skin cancer diagnosis and evaluation planning test performances.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Clinical Competence
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Physicians, Family / education*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Triage