The integrated skin exam film: An educational intervention to promote early detection of melanoma by medical students

Amit Garg, Joyce Wang, Shalini B. Reddy, Jennifer Powers, Reza Jacob, Michael Powers, Katie Biello, Rachael Cayce, Stephanie Savory, Leah Belazarian, Erik Domingues, Adam Korzenko, Lindsay Wilson, Jane M. Grant-Kels, Paul George, Leslie Robinson-Bostom, Shannon C. Trotter, Alan C. Geller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Knowledge of the skin cancer examination (SCE) and its practice remain relevant competency gaps among medical students. Objective We elaborate on a method of SCE known as the Integrated Skin Exam and discuss the development of an instructional film that illustrates its principles. We assess the tool's effect on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to the SCE. Methods Second-year students among 8 randomized schools viewed the film and completed pre-post questionnaires. Results After viewing The Integrated Skin Exam film, students demonstrated improved melanoma knowledge, including identification of high-risk demographic groups (61% vs 42.9%, P <.001), high-risk anatomic sites in women (88.6% vs 46.5%, P <.001) and men (92.1% vs 34.8%, P <.001), and the ABCDEs of melanoma (98.4% vs 91.2%, P <.001). Students demonstrated increased confidence in the SCE (66.93% vs 16.40%, P <.001) and augmented intentions to practice it (99.05% vs 13.9%, P <.001). A greater proportion (70.4% vs 41.9%, P <.001) of students thought less than 3 minutes were required to integrate SCE into the routine examination. Limitations Longitudinal impact of the film was not assessed. Conclusion The Integrated Skin Exam film introduces an integrated approach to the SCE that addresses knowledge gaps, mitigates perceived barriers, and augments intention related to practice of the SCE.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)115-119
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume70
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • integrated skin cancer examination
  • medical education
  • medical students
  • melanoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The integrated skin exam film: An educational intervention to promote early detection of melanoma by medical students'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this