Logo image
Back
Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Screening for Indoor Tanning in the Primary Care Setting: A Report of Preliminary Findings
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Screening for Indoor Tanning in the Primary Care Setting: A Report of Preliminary Findings

Allison B. Robbins, Mimi R. Borrelli, Fatima N. Mirza, Nicole A. Negbenebor, Helena M. Kuhn and Tiffany J. Libby
AJPM Focus, Vol.3(4), p.100241
08/01/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100241
PMCID: PMC11237681
PMID: 38993711
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11237681View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Indoor tanning is a major modifiable risk factor in the development of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Investigation of behavior-altering interventions is an area of active research. As with other preventive measures, screening of high-risk populations can be an important aspect of a multimodality public health intervention. This study sought to further the limited understanding of indoor tanning screening practices in the primary care setting. Physicians practicing within the scope of primary care in the northeast were surveyed in 2022 on practice patterns around the frequency of indoor tanning screening, barriers encountered with implementing screening, and actions taken with a positive screen. Research methodology adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Of 26 primary care physicians, only 7.7% routinely screened for indoor tanning. Barriers identified included time limitations (76.9%) and prioritization of other health concerns (96.2%). All primary care physicians (100%) reacted to reports of indoor tanning with an intervention, most commonly counseling on the risks of indoor tanning (92.6%). This data suggest that screening for indoor tanning use could be improved. The authors recommend the incorporation of a standardized screening question regarding indoor tanning in intake forms. •Only 7.7% of primary care physicians routinely screen for indoor tanning.•Time constraints and other health concerns are barriers to screening.•All physicians in the study took action in response to a positive indoor tanning screen.•A standardized screening question on intake forms may improve detection.
 general dermatology high-risk patients Indoor tanning melanoma primary care physician screening

Details

Metrics

20 Record Views
Logo image