Improving Provider Knowledge on Melanoma Screening Using Video Education

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve urgent care providers’knowledge of melanoma, the Self-Assessment of Melanoma Risk Score (SAMScore) Questionnaire, and their intent to utilize the SAMScore Questionnaire for targeted melanoma screening in the urgent care setting. Background: Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, accounting for the majorityof skin cancer-related deaths despite being less common than other skin malignancies. Early identification of melanoma significantly improves patient outcomes. While dermatologists are key in identifying and diagnosing melanoma, many patients do not have regular access to dermatological care. As a result, primary care and urgent care providers, who often encounter patients with skin concerns, play an important role in melanoma detection. Methods: A pre- and post-survey design was employed to evaluate the impact of an online educational intervention on melanoma and the SAMScore questionnaire among urgent care providers. The QI project included two nurse practitioners and one physician assistant. Results: The pre-educational survey results revealed that participants had limited baselineknowledge of melanoma and the SAMScore questionnaire. Following the educational intervention, participants demonstrated notable improvements in their understanding of melanoma risk factors and the SAMScore. Additionally, participant intent to use the SAMScore screening tool increased, with two participants indicating they were “somewhat likely” and one participant indicating they were “likely” to use the tool in their practice. All participants also reported that the intervention enhanced their knowledge of melanoma and ability to identify high-risk patients. Conclusions: The educational intervention improved urgent care providers’ knowledge ofmelanoma and the SAMScore questionnaire. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of melanoma risk factors and the SAMScore. Findings from this QI project align with the two main objectives of this project: to enhance provider knowledge of melanoma and the SAMScore questionnaire and to increase provider intent to incorporate the SAMScore questionnaire into their clinical practice. These findings suggest that educational interventions, such as the one in this QI project, can enhance provider knowledge and screening practices, ultimately supporting early detection of melanoma in non-specialist settings.