Journal article
Skin cancer screening by Australian family physicians Variation with physician beliefs and geographic locality
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol.17(2), pp.142-146
1999
Abstract
Introduction: Australian national policies do not recommend skin cancer screening. We measured family physicians' beliefs, self-reported practices, and predictors of using clinical skin examination for skin cancer screening. Method: Random self-administered postal survey of 1271 Australian family physicians (FPs) performed during 1996, obtaining 855 completed questionnaires (67% response rate). Results: Eighty-six percent of FPs surveyed indicated that they thought clinical skin examination was effective in reducing premature death from skin cancer; 72% indicated that they should be performed annually; and 60% indicated that all adults should be screened. Only 3% indicated correctly that screening has not been tested to determine its effectiveness. Although most FPs were unlikely to adopt an opportunistic approach to screening, 64% indicated that they would recommend clinical skin examination during a health check-up. FPs in northern (high incidence) latitudes were 3 to 4 times more likely to adopt opportunistic screening, and twice as likely to discuss clinical skin examination in a dedicated check-up. FPs were more likely to advocate screening in male rather than female patients. Half of respondents were unaware of relevant guidelines. Conclusion: Although Australian policies do not recommend clinical skin examination because of insufficient evidence as yet of effectiveness, FPs show considerable support for screening. Geographic location, patient gender, and physician beliefs predict the self-reported provision of clinical skin examination by family physicians, suggesting that factors other than published guidelines affect clinical practice.
Details
- Title
- Skin cancer screening by Australian family physicians Variation with physician beliefs and geographic locality
- Authors
- M J Sladden (Author) - University of TasmaniaJ E Ward (Author) - Central Sydney Area Health ServiceChris B Del Mar (Author) - University of QueenslandJohn B Lowe (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol.17(2), pp.142-146
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00053-7
- ISSN
- 0749-3797
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449754902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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