Dedicated general practitioner education sessions can improve diagnostic capabilities and may have a positive effect on referral patterns for common skin lesions

IntroductionGeneral practitioners (GPs) require the necessary skills to identify potentially malignant skin lesions and refer patients in an appropriate and timely manner. We examined the impact of a single consultant delivered education session to GP trainees on their diagnosis of common skin lesions.MethodsA prospective analysis of baseline knowledge was assessed using a photographic questionnaire. A dedicated education session was delivered by a consultant plastic surgeon. Their knowledge was re-assessed after 3months.ResultsThere were 23 participants. Baseline ability to correctly diagnose skin lesions improved significantly at 3months following dedicated teaching (baseline mean 30.2%, 3-month mean 65.9%, p=0.001). All trainees recommended that dedicated skin education should be incorporated into GP training curricula.ConclusionDedicated education sessions on skin lesions can improve the diagnostic accuracy of GP trainees, and we suggest that they are incorporated into the GP training curriculum.