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Date
2025
Abstract
Introduction
Skin cancer, specifically melanoma, is highly prevalent in Vermont. The state has the third-highest incidence rate of melanoma in the U.S. More relevant to the South Burlington Family Medicine Clinic is that Chittenden County has the fourth-highest age-adjusted incidence rate for melanoma in the state of Vermont and is unfortunately rising in comparison to the national average. This problem can likely be explained by a predominantly white and aging population, outdoor leisure, and poor sun protection in the winter months. Vermont is a rural state with all, but one county considered rural, and that a recent study found 88% of rural counties in the United States don’t have practicing dermatologists, the access to dermatologists for prevention through education and detection of skin cancers is limited. Therefore, primary care physicians are often tasked with these responsibilities. The project focused on the AHEC Core Principle of Medical Practice Transformation to support documentation and record keeping of skin cancer risk factors and documentation concerning lesions.
Methods
I developed an Epic smart phrase to be utilized in the primary care setting for documentation during preventative care or focused skin concern visits. This phrase outlines several key risk factors, as published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and noted by local Vermont dermatologists, and a checklist for information regarding skin cancer prevention for patient counseling. A survey was simultaneously distributed to the clinic’s providers at South Burlington Family Medicine for evaluation of effectiveness and feedback.
Results
2 providers responded, and 1 found it “very helpful.” Both providers perform focused skin exams in their practice. For the biggest challenges in dermatology referrals, they both identified long waits and limited access for their patients. One provider found it helpful to list risk factors during a visit.
Discussion
While this study only captured one clinic during a brief period, it highlights the importance of skin cancer detection in primary care, especially during a time when access to dermatology is difficult. Keeping in mind Vermont’s prevalence of life-threatening melanoma diagnoses, it is more important than ever to support primary care physicians in the surveillance and education of skin cancers.
Clinical Site
South Burlington Family Medicine
Keywords
dermatology, skin cancer, smart phrase, prevention, melanoma, family medicine, detection
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Disciplines
Dermatology | Integumentary System | Medical Education | Primary Care | Quality Improvement | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Recommended Citation
Zafaranian, Amir, "Mole Patrol: Identifying Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Suspicious Lesions Documentation with a Smart Phrase" (2025). Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects. 1137.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1137
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Dermatology Commons, Integumentary System Commons, Medical Education Commons, Primary Care Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons