The dermatoscope should be in every primary‐care practitioner's kit

In their elegantly designed and executed study on training for skin tumour triage primary-care physicians (PCPs),1 Harkemanne et al. highlight what is arguably obvious: Any structured in dermatoscopy PCPs likely to be beneficial. This study, involving 216 PCPs, 40% trainees, 87% younger than 46 years 73% female, was adequately powered, rendering statistically significant findings. The methods were based a course previously non-experts,2 notably with an initial emphasis recognizing the dermatoscopic patterns of benign lesions, before considering features pointing malignancy. methodology assessment, presenting standardized sets images from selected malignant categories, consistent other studies diagnostic accuracy, including employed assessment both machine human performance.3 authors concluded that short online session 4 h non-inferior longer 12-h suite, which included content first session. who completed all four, monthly, 30-min refresher sessions showed best overall final tested performance (p < 0.001).1 It one thing demonstrate benefit lesion controlled academic environment, but about workplace? Some insights can gleaned by situation Australia, where high prevalence cancer, coupled shortage dermatologists, have responded point they now manage most malignancies, melanomas.4, 5 response, various educational programmes been developed, Masters' degree at University Queensland,6 alumni approximate number practising dermatologists country. Consequently, there cohort highly educated working alongside generalists, recent suggestion every PCP Australia should confidence cancer melanoma diagnosis.6 addition education, work experience familiarity impact this context. data 2008 2010 193 Australasian it found needed treat (NNT; lesions excised exclude melanoma, discovered), 17 generalist half (8.5), worked exclusively field also had much higher use 0.0001).7 For 21 these involved later NNT fell 10.78 5.56 between 2008–2010 2013 = 0.0037).8 Skin malignancy, not as prevalent outside Australasia, finding current 85% participating Belgium Luxembourg ‘always felt uncomfortable’ when faced suspicious lesion,1 begs response. dermatoscope relevant any inflammatory neoplastic, dermatological conditions primary care throughout world, are many reasons why its taught medical schools, along instruments such stethoscope.9, 10 context, good reason common (nevus, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, angioma sebaceous hyperplasia) could reality school graduates. From there, instruction malignancy would natural progression opportunities experience. A will clinician contact patients empowered competent comfortable inevitable situation. Open access publishing facilitated Queensland, part Wiley - Queensland agreement via Council Australian Librarians. no financial source disclose. C. R. receives book royalties Facultas (Vienna, Austria) Scion Publishing Ltd. (Banbury UK). Outside scope submitted he has received presenters' fees travel/accommodation costs Sonic Healthcare Cancer Symposiums (Auckland, New Zealand) waiver conference World Congress Dermatology 2023. He dermatoscopes Heine Pty. 3Gen, California. paid employee unpaid position Distinguished Honorary Professor Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. board member International Dermoscopy Society Member Zealand Doctors Inc. author declared conflicts interest. Data sharing applicable.