Ei T Aung1, David G Campbell2, Eleanor Kl Mitchell3. 1. MBChB, FRACGP, Lecturer, School of Rural Health, Monash University, Vic. 2. MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM, Director, School of Rural Health, Monash University, Vic. 3. PhD, Lecturer, School of Rural Health, Monash University, Vic. Eleanor.Mitchell@monash.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The literature reveals a lack of consensus on recommendations for follow-up of skin cancer in general practice for all types of skin cancer. The objective of this paper was to evaluate post-treatment surveillance practices for both melanotic and non-melanotic skin cancers (NMSC) by general practitioners (GPs) in regional Victoria, and to identify challenges in follow-up for skin cancers in rural areas. METHOD: A mixed-method study involving a survey and semi-structured interviews with GPs and registrars in Gippsland was carried out in 2015. RESULTS: The survey of 65 participants showed that 69% (45/65) followed up NMSC opportunistically, while 66% (43/65) reported using a structured follow-up practice for melanoma. Six practitioners from the interviews identified the patient's level of education, time constraints, practitioner accessibility and specialists' availability as some common challenges in follow-up. DISCUSSION: We recommend that rural GPs review follow-up strategies for all skin cancers, through the establishment of guidelines and a recall system.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The literature reveals a lack of consensus on recommendations for follow-up of skin cancer in general practice for all types of skin cancer. The objective of this paper was to evaluate post-treatment surveillance practices for both melanotic and non-melanotic skin cancers (NMSC) by general practitioners (GPs) in regional Victoria, and to identify challenges in follow-up for skin cancers in rural areas. METHOD: A mixed-method study involving a survey and semi-structured interviews with GPs and registrars in Gippsland was carried out in 2015. RESULTS: The survey of 65 participants showed that 69% (45/65) followed up NMSC opportunistically, while 66% (43/65) reported using a structured follow-up practice for melanoma. Six practitioners from the interviews identified the patient's level of education, time constraints, practitioner accessibility and specialists' availability as some common challenges in follow-up. DISCUSSION: We recommend that rural GPs review follow-up strategies for all skin cancers, through the establishment of guidelines and a recall system.