A short dermoscopy training increases diagnostic performance in both inexperienced and experienced dermatologists

Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):52-5. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12203. Epub 2014 Oct 10.

Abstract

Dermoscopy is a clinical tool known to improve the early detection of melanoma and other malignancies of the skin, but only for experienced users. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of short (3-hour) dermoscopy training sessions in both residents and practicing dermatologists. The training improved diagnostic accuracy for both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic neoplasms of the skin and the observed effect was the highest for residents but was also significant for more experienced practicing dermatologists.

Keywords: dermoscopy; diagnostic performance; melanoma; sensitivity and specificity; skin neoplasm; training.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Dermatology / education*
  • Dermatology / standards
  • Dermoscopy / education*
  • Dermoscopy / standards
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Physicians
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*