Knowledge of malignant melanoma and how it relates to clinical practice among nurse practitioners and dermatology and oncology nurses.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a growing health problem in the United States. This study evaluated nurses' frequency of skin cancer assessment, ability to recognize CMM, knowledge of risk factors and preventive measures, teaching practices, and barriers to skin cancer assessment. The sample (n = 178) consisted of nurse practitioners (NP), oncology nurses (ON), and dermatology nurses (DN). The participants indicated that skin cancer assessment was within their scope of practice but reported frequencies of performance were low. NP scored lower in overall knowledge, although they had received the highest level of formal skin cancer education (p < 0.05). Recognition of melanoma was moderate, with scores of 54-68% for the three groups. Recognition scores for premalignant and benign lesions were lower. Frequency of skin cancer assessment and teaching were higher for DN (p < 0.05). Total knowledge scores were not predictive of teaching practices. Time limitations and inadequate knowledge were barriers that inversely correlated with frequency of skin cancer assessment. Findings suggest that individual CMM knowledge and experience correlated highly with frequency of assessment and teaching. Programs are needed to educate nurses in skin cancer prevention and detection. The broader implications for future research will be presented.