Dermatoscopy: from training to practical use

Background. Dermatoscopy has become a typical practice in providing assistance in dermatovenereology, cosmetology and oncological diseases. However, the low level of equipment of medical organizations with dermatoscopes remains. At the same time, the level of knowledge and skills of doctors in matters of dermatoscopy, the quality of relevant educational programs have not been analyzed before.

Aims. Conduct an analysis of the ongoing advanced training programs on dermatoscopy and assess the degree of implementation of dermatoscopy in the activities of medical organizations.

Methods. The available advanced training programs were analyzed and an anonymous survey of 402 doctors was conducted using a specially developed sociological questionnaire.

Results. Despite the variety of options and forms of training, the quality of training remains low, especially for correspondence educational programs. 66.7% and 45.5% of respondents, respectively, received training in dermatoscopy and dermato-oncology. At the same time, about 20% of specialists mastered programs of less than 6 hours. Almost 75% of respondents noted insufficient knowledge for full-fledged work with a dermatoscope (in most cases, this concerns the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms). Almost half of the respondents perform photo fixation during dermatoscopy, but most organizations do not provide for the transfer and storage of images.

Conclusion. It is advisable to create a methodological center on dermatoscopy issues based on the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. It is necessary to develop and implement a standard sample program on dermatoscopy issues in the amount of at least 36 hours. It is necessary to develop a unified protocol for a dermatoscopy report, both a primary dermatoscopy report and a dynamic control protocol. The terminology used in dermatoscopy in Russian requires separate analysis.