Article Figures & Data
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Tables
Supplemental Appendix
Supplemental Appendix. Telephone Questionnaire Assessing Patient Memory of the Campaign, Patient Knowledge of the Risk of Melanoma, and Patient Primary and Secondary Preventive Behaviors
Files in this Data Supplement:
- Supplemental data: Appendix - PDF file
The Article in Brief
Targeted Melanoma Prevention Intervention: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Cedric Rat , and colleagues
Background Giving patients personalized information about whether or not they are at increased risk for melanoma could affect their perception of the risk. The Self-Assessment Melanoma Risk Score (SAMScore) provides such information. This study compares the effect of a targeted screening and education strategy using the SAMScore on patient prevention behavior with that of a conventional prevention campaign based on mass communication.
What This Study Found A targeted intervention to reduce risk and increase early detection of melanoma using the SAMSScore screening tool appears to be efficient and effective. Patients were randomized to either an intervention group, which was assessed using the SAMScore tool and underwent a total skin examination and counseling using information leaflets; or a control group, whose physicians displayed a poster and leaflets in their waiting room and examined patients' skin at their own discretion. Compared with control patients, intervention patients were more likely to remember the campaign and correctly identify their increased risk of melanoma. Intervention patients also had higher levels of prevention behaviors: they were less likely to sunbathe in summer and more likely to have performed skin self-examinations in the past year.
Implications
- The combination use of the SAMScore and physician examination and counseling during consultations appears to be an efficient way to promote patient behaviors that may reduce melanoma risk.