Optimizing the total-body skin exam: An observational cohort study
Matthew F Helm1, Katherine K Hallock1, Elizabeth Bisbee2
1Department of Dermatology, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 19, 2019
Summary
Optimizing total-body skin examinations (TBSEs) through a standardized process minimizes missed areas. This research identifies an efficient and accurate format for TBSEs, improving clinical practice and medical education.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Clinical Practice Optimization
- Medical Education
Background:
- Total-body skin examinations (TBSEs) are a routine clinical procedure.
- Current research on optimal TBSE protocols is limited.
- Establishing best practices for TBSEs is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the total-body skin examination (TBSE) procedure.
- To identify an efficient and accurate method for conducting TBSEs.
Main Methods:
- An observational cohort study was conducted.
- Video recordings of 10 dermatology clinicians (5 faculty, 5 residents) performing TBSEs on healthy patients were analyzed.
- An analytic hierarchy process matrix was used to evaluate examination time, movements, sequence, and missed areas.
Main Results:
- An optimal format for performing TBSEs was identified.
- The standardized approach proved efficient and accurate in examinations.
- A structured process significantly reduces the likelihood of omitting body areas during TBSEs.
Conclusions:
- A standardized TBSE process is effective in minimizing missed body areas.
- This standardized approach has significant implications for teaching TBSEs to medical students and professionals.
- Further research could explore TBSE optimization in diverse patient populations.
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