The number of people in the UK diagnosed with skin cancers such as melanoma and SCC has increased significantly in the last decade. Growing population awareness and increased exposure to sun means that more and more people consult their GP with concerns about skin lesions; most of these are benign. In addition, changes to NICE guidelines in 2015 meant that GPs felt obliged to refer at lower thresholds of risk. These factors taken together are likely responsible for the observed substantial increase in 2ww referrals for suspected skin cancer over the past few years.
Despite the rise in 2ww referrals, up to 40% of melanomas are still diagnosed following a routine referral to dermatology. Conversely, many people seen in 2-week-wait dermatology clinics have common benign skin lesions such as seborrheic keratosis or haemangioma. Dermoscopy can help to distinguish between sinister lesions that need urgent assessment and those where patients can be reassured. This tool is increasingly being used to assess skin lesions both in general practice and dermatology clinics.
The North East London Cancer Alliance has made available 15 dermoscopes to BHR CCGs as part of a North East London-wide pilot to test whether dermoscopy can help GPs in North East London assess skin lesions.
This project will then be evaluated by the Cancer Alliance and this may provide recommendations on whether investment should be continued and the service should be commissioned by CCGs
They are looking for enthusiastic clinicians and GP practices to take part in the pilot. This would involve:
Previous experience of dermoscopy is not required.
The outcomes will include measures to evaluate whether use of dermoscopy in primary care has led to:
Applicants should submit an expression of interest (using the form in the download area) to provide dermoscopy within their own practice or as part of a network of practices. All GP practices, Primary Care networks and GP Federations in BHR are entitled to apply as single organisations or collectively. If you are successful the CCG will provide a high quality dermoscope and invite you to an introductory dermoscopy induction and training session. We will also be working with CPEN (the training hub) in options for longer-term training.
If you are interested in applying for a dermoscope you should:
To participate in this pilot you will need to complete and submit the proforma (which can be found in the download area) by Friday 4 September 2020. This should describe the service you will provide, including:
Note: If you previously applied to the Cancer Alliance for a dermoscope as part of this project (paused in March due to the pandemic), you do not need to resubmit your expression of interest, which we will consider within our present process, unless you wish to provide new information. Please let us know if you still want to be considered on your old application.
Proformas will be assessed against the criteria set below, by the Clinical Commissioning Groups’ clinical and management teams, including a local GP and a dermatologist. Successful applicants will be notified within 4 weeks of the final submission date and will be provided with a dermoscope and an invitation to a virtual launch event.