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Adverse Psychological Events Associated With Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis
Karen B Schmaling1, Victoria R Sharon2, Reason Wilken2
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA.
Summary
Psychological distress is common after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Current informed consent forms fail to mention these psychological risks, highlighting a gap in patient care.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Psychological symptoms are often overlooked in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) informed consent and perioperative care.
- This oversight may lead to unaddressed patient distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate psychological adverse events (AEs) associated with MMS.
- To determine if psychological risks are identified in MMS informed consent forms.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of MEDLINE and PsycINFO for studies on psychological status in perioperative MMS patients.
- Analysis of US MMS consent forms obtained via Google search.
- Standardized analysis of psychological measures, primarily anxiety.
Main Results:
- 29 studies involving 6,455 patients were analyzed.
- Patients reported a pooled distress rating of 25.26/100, with significant heterogeneity.
- None of the 20 reviewed consent forms mentioned psychological risks.
Conclusions:
- Psychological adverse events are frequent in patients undergoing MMS.
- Informed consent processes for MMS should explicitly include psychological risks.
