Summary
SKCIN – The Karen Clifford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Charity – is a national organisation dedicated to skin cancer prevention. The charity was born after the sad loss of a family member to melanoma and aims to prevent others befalling the same fate. Masced (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection) Pro is an online training programme providing healthcare practitioners (HCPs) with an accessible, cost-effective tool to develop their knowledge of the early signs of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Greater confidence is created in referring patients to appropriate colleagues or services for suspicious lesions. Over 1,200 learners have come from a wide array of medical specialities, as well as some highly trained in the beauty/aesthetics sector.
Method
SKCIN became aware of the lack of training on recognising skin cancer in primary care. This view was reinforced when registrations were received from those working in the healthcare sector for its Masced training in 2018. Dermatology nurses were not trained in skin cancer surveillance and no such education featured on their learning curriculum. The same went for dentists, physiotherapists and podiatrists. All these allied health professions have a vital role to play in patient-facing occupations, yet they had no access to such training. This led SKCIN to develop Masced Pro training for this sector. This training was reviewed by the BASCNS, BDNG and BAD. SKCIN’s objective was to help fill the knowledge and education gap in primary care. The charity was aware of the issues of late diagnosis and misdiagnosis of patients. A quarter of GP appointments are skin-related and GPs receive very basic training for an extremely broad topic. This leads to over-referral to dermatology services and secondary care, putting pressure on waiting lists. Many GPs are not familiar with the use of dermatoscopes and require further training. With no external stakeholders, the charity undertook the scoping of the project with a website designer. The charity’s cofounder is a graphic designer and conveying the right message came as second nature. Regarding clinical content, consultant dermatologists had input into reviewing sun safety and skin cancer booklets that are now used by over 150 hospitals. In addition, BDNG, BAD and the British Association of Skin Cancer Nurses reviewed the content to ensure it was fit for purpose. The Masced Pro website tracks registrations of learners, progress and feedback post training. Training is completed by leaving a review.
Results
The Masced Pro training is for HCPs or those highly trained in the beauty/ aesthetics sector. Initially offered free for over 3,000 learners, the course became oversubscribed and, with costs spiralling, it became necessary to introduce a fee. There are over 250,000 people working in the hair and beauty industry and harnessing the power of these individuals to help promote early detection and sun safety is a unique and impactful collaboration. SKCIN has worked hard to engage these audiences/specialities to promote the training. One key success has been with podiatry, with the Royal College of Podiatry reviewing and approving it for CDP within the profession and highlighting it to their members.
Sustainability and Spread
The Masced Pro training can be difficult to promote to primary care, as every NHS Trust works differently and funding can be a challenge; Trusts/CCGs may require free training. SKCIN has pioneered the development of this solution for the healthcare sector. As a charity on limited income, marketing funds are low to advertise the training and most people hear about it by word of mouth. However, this route has been a great success. Over 10,000 professionals are accredited with the Masced training, some from as far afield as Australia, highlighting that providing a solution that is easily accessible online 24/7 can reach a global audience.
