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Background <p>Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool enhancing the early detection of melanoma, significantly improving outcomes compared to visual inspection alone. Despite its proven utility and recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the extent of dermoscopy use among UK plastic surgeons remains unclear, as formal training is not mandated in the UK plastic surgery curriculum.</p> Methods <p>An anonymous 18-question online survey was distributed to members of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) to evaluate access, usage patterns, training experiences, and attitudes toward dermoscopy.</p> Results <p>Of 1332 members contacted, 71 responded (5.3%). Among respondents, 87% reported access to dermoscopy equipment, but only 66% used it regularly. While 85% had some training, only 25% had received more than one day of formal instruction. Confidence and regular use positively correlated with greater experience and training. Common barriers included insufficient training (59%) and limited access to appropriate equipment (41%). Interest in further education was high, with 74% favoring additional training, particularly one day intensive courses.</p> Conclusions <p>Despite high levels of access and training among UK plastic surgeons, the application of dermoscopy in clinical practice remains limited. Key barriers, including inadequate training and low confidence, highlight the need for more structured dermoscopy education. The low response rate and overrepresentation of consultants limit generalisability and introduces potential selection bias. Incorporating formal training into the plastic surgery curriculum could bridge this gap, improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing unnecessary surgeries, and enhancing compliance with national guidelines to optimize patient care.</p> Level of Evidence <p>Not gradable</p>

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Current practices, training gaps, and attitudes toward dermoscopy among UK plastic surgeons

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年1月20日

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  • Mohammad R. Goodarzi,
  • N. R. McLean,
  • J. E. T. Wokes

摘要

Background

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool enhancing the early detection of melanoma, significantly improving outcomes compared to visual inspection alone. Despite its proven utility and recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the extent of dermoscopy use among UK plastic surgeons remains unclear, as formal training is not mandated in the UK plastic surgery curriculum.

Methods

An anonymous 18-question online survey was distributed to members of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) to evaluate access, usage patterns, training experiences, and attitudes toward dermoscopy.

Results

Of 1332 members contacted, 71 responded (5.3%). Among respondents, 87% reported access to dermoscopy equipment, but only 66% used it regularly. While 85% had some training, only 25% had received more than one day of formal instruction. Confidence and regular use positively correlated with greater experience and training. Common barriers included insufficient training (59%) and limited access to appropriate equipment (41%). Interest in further education was high, with 74% favoring additional training, particularly one day intensive courses.

Conclusions

Despite high levels of access and training among UK plastic surgeons, the application of dermoscopy in clinical practice remains limited. Key barriers, including inadequate training and low confidence, highlight the need for more structured dermoscopy education. The low response rate and overrepresentation of consultants limit generalisability and introduces potential selection bias. Incorporating formal training into the plastic surgery curriculum could bridge this gap, improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing unnecessary surgeries, and enhancing compliance with national guidelines to optimize patient care.

Level of Evidence

Not gradable