Follow-up of early stage melanoma: specialist clinician perspectives on the functions of follow-up and implications for extending follow-up intervals.

摘要: Background There is limited evidence on the relative effectiveness of different follow-up schedules for patients with AJCC stage I or II melanoma, but less frequent than currently recommended has been proposed. Objectives To describe melanoma clinicians' perspectives functions follow-up, factors that influence intervals, and important considerations extending intervals. Methods Qualitative interviews 16 clinicians (surgical oncologists, dermatologists, unit physicians) who conduct at two Australia's largest specialist centers. Results Follow-up conducted early detection recurrences new primary melanomas, to manage patient anxiety, support self-care, as part shared care. Recommended intervals are based guidelines account each patient's clinical risk profile, level education requirements, capacity engage in skin self-examination, how clinician prefers any suspicious lesions. Conclusions To revise implement change it understand rationale underpinning existing practice. Extended more likely be adopted after first year when anxious sufficiently prepared self-examination. Clinicians may retain highly those unable examine themselves. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:463–468. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.