Evidence And Clinical Expertise Key To Developing Best Practices In Skin Cancer Screening

Main Category: Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Dermatology;  Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 04 Mar 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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As melanoma rates and diagnosis continue to rise, early detection (before the disease spreads to the lymph nodes) is critical for survival. In the January-February 2009 issue of Dermatology Nursing, Arlene Vickers describes how dermatology nurses can use evidence-based practice (EBP) to develop their own skin cancer screening guidelines.

Vickers recommends obtaining best practices by using several resources:

- Conducting systematic reviews through journal databases to answer specific clinical questions
- Evaluating existing skin cancer screening guidelines (many are posted on the National Guideline Clearinghouse Web site, http://www.guideline.gov)
- Keeping up with current research studies
- Looking to professional organizations for information and guidelines

In her article, Vickers used the above resources to determine what the evidence reveals about skin cancer screening. According to Vickers, even though the research evidence does not recommend for or against skin cancer screenings in the general population, clinical expertise has shown that early detection saves lives. She says dermatology nurses must use evidence and clinical practice to determine best practices for their patients.

"Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Skin Cancer Screening"
Arlene Vickers, FNP-C, DN-C, WOCN
Dermatology Nursing; January-February 2009
http://www.dermatologynursing.net

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