Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
SKIN: a four step method for navigating difficult conversations in dermatology
Emily R Gordon1, Megan H Trager2, Cindy Nelson3
1Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Abstract:
Diagnostic disclosure in the world of new technologies presents unique challenges. Studies investigating the role of dermatologists in breaking bad news and standard practices do not exist. To evaluate dermatologists' perceptions, frequency, and attitudes towards breaking bad news and to create a practical guide for diagnostic disclosure. A national survey of 223 dermatologists (via the American Academy of Dermatology) assessed their comfort and training in breaking bad news. The responses were analyzed for patterns and gaps in preparedness. All dermatologists felt breaking bad news was an important daily task. However, many (40%) did not feel completely comfortable with diagnostic disclosure and often learned during practice (61%) or lacked any training in the task (17%). Dermatologists highlighted the need for additional resources; thus we created a guide for breaking bad news in dermatology which we called the SKIN (Set the stage, Knowledge, Inform, Next steps) approach. The SKIN approach offers a structured framework to improve dermatologists' confidence and effectiveness in diagnostic disclosure. Incorporating formal training into medical education and residency programs could further enhance preparedness for this task.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ethical Dilemmas II
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be...

