Improving Skin Protection Behaviors in People With Skin Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: This project aims to identify knowledge gaps in skin cancer and skin protection to determine if an educational program focused on skin cancer prevention will result in a greater understanding of skin cancer and adopting new behaviors to prevent skin cancer. Background: The number of skin cancer diagnoses increases significantly every year. The cost of treating skin cancers places a tremendous burden on healthcare costs. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is a known cause of skin cancer. The perception and knowledge of skin cancer vary significantly among patients diagnosed with skin cancer. A knowledge deficit about skin cancer and skin cancer prevention practices can diminish sun protection practices. Method: A 12-question Likert scale pre-questionnaire was administered to measure patient knowledge of skin cancer, risk factors, and skin cancer prevention. The same pre-questionnaire was distributed to a family member/friend. A 15-minute educational PowerPoint with voice-over was then presented. Following the PowerPoint, an open forum of questions/answers was conducted. The same 12-question Likert scale post-questionnaire was administered again to the patient and family member/friend. The Likert scale was utilized because it provides information about patient thoughts and feelings about the topic and can offer insight into patient perceptions. The results of the composite scores of the questionnaire were analyzed. Results: 16 participants, 10 patients, and six family members/friends participated in the session. There was a higher composite score in the patient group following the educational session, except for one question determined to be confounding. Likewise, the overall combined score of the family member/friends increased after the educational session. Conclusion: The educational session was successful, given the increase in scores following the session. It was clear from the scores that knowledge of skin cancer and skin protection measures is understood. What is not clear is if the increased knowledge will ultimately result in the adoption of skin protection behaviors. In future quality improvement (QI) projects on this topic, a follow-up questionnaire could be administered to directly measure the practice of skin protection behaviors of the participants.