WINNER
GP Education to Ensure Optimisation of Skin Cancer Pathways in Lancashire & South Cumbria
by Lancashire & South Cumbria Cancer Alliance
Lancashire & South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, conducted research with stakeholders to understand opportunities to improve referral practices for skin cancer identify areas for improvement.
This research, with broad system stakeholder engagement, highlighted the need for concentrated, comprehensive education to enhance confidence in diagnosing skin conditions within primary care.
Minimising NHS costs by working in partnership with Sanofi, this led to the development of a suite of short GP educational videos focusing on dermatology conditions and skin cancer recognition.
These have led to an increased confidence in diagnosing dermatology conditions and skin cancer with a reduction in urgent suspected skin cancer referrals.
Judges’ comments:
The entry from Lancashire & South Cumbria Cancer Alliance was well summarised, with clear aims. It had sound methodology, was well-written, bridging a gap for early detection. It was great to see the promotion of discussion over a lunchtime meeting. It was set up with clear aims and the amount of stakeholder involvement was impressive. Overall, a well thought out and executed education programme with a vision for future exploration of effectiveness.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
UK National Dermatology Teaching Series 2024
by The Skinclusive Hub
The Skinclusive Hub, a UK-based medical education platform, embarked on a mission to empower learners worldwide. Our aims were twofold: advancing dermatology and promoting inclusivity. Through our 15-part National Dermatology Teaching Series, we sought to break down barriers and provide a comprehensive education pathway. Notably, we prioritised teaching on skin of colour, addressing unique challenges often overlooked. Topics spanned diverse skin types, including common skin conditions, nail diseases, hair and scalp disorders, colourism, and psychodermatology. By stimulating discussions on diversity and raising over £700 for the British Skin Foundation, we’ve demonstrated a commitment to equitable healthcare education and research.
Judges’ comments:
The Skinclusive Hub entry had good interactivity and it was great to see that the series was free, with a suggested donation. It had a good, wide audience with global participation and a relevant focus on skin of colour. The judges look forward to seeing this develop and grow.
COMMENDED
Alison Schofield
Head of education/nurse consultant at NHS Pioneer Wound Healing & Lymphoedema Centres. Independent tissue viability nurse
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a dermatological disease affecting 1% of the population. It is severely misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed, leading to sustained suffering and mismanagement. There is a lack of effective provisions in terms of wound and exudate management which can begin in the primary care setting. Alison has been travelling across the UK, educating nurses and doctors about HS and effective wound care for HS, and the impact this can have on the patient’s wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Judges’ comments:
This entry about Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is innovative, educates others and supports unmet need for HS patients. It had a good patient interview video and highlights the passion of an individual for improving the care and patient journey of patients with HS, which is a horrible condition to live with. The programme has been well structured and delivered and there is good qualitative feedback.
FINALIST
Clinical Dermatology Care Course for Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals
by St. John’s DermAcademy, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
The Clinical Dermatology Care Course is a comprehensive, introductory dermatology course for nurses and allied healthcare professionals who are new to the speciality or wish to extend their specialist knowledge and skills. It is a unique and affordable course, delivered virtually through an interactive learning platform and supported by a series of live webinars with continuous dialogue with the course tutors over 12 weeks. Six themed sections are covered providing a broad clinical introduction to dermatology care. Formal evaluation demonstrates the course provides a high quality learning environment and clinical skills development to benefit patient care and service provision.
Judges’ comments:
The Clinical Dermatology Care Course for Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals has valuable content. The judges liked that it was over 12 weeks and is an affordable price, making it good value for money. The course clearly has a role in allowing nurses to progress and gain confidence in being able to deliver dermatology care. It is clearly well-run and successful.
FINALIST
The New Dermatologist Education Initiatives
by The New Dermatologist (https://www.thenewdermatologist.co.uk)
The New Dermatologist education platform is a novel teaching initiative, conceived and delivered by 13 friends and established consultant dermatologists from a number of Trusts. We aim to bridge old and new school dermatology skills to inspire, teach and guide the next generation of dermatologists in the NHS, empowering them to achieve the highest standard management of patients with skin disease.
Judges’ comments:
The New Dermatologist Education Initiatives is a really strong entry. It was well-written, with excellent content. It was innovative, engaging, wide-reaching and novel. It is free to access so there is equal and wide access which can only benefit patients. Safety and review was clearly stated and outcomes were also presented well. It had matured well.
