MelaTools-I

MelaTools-I explores GPs’ and patients’ views on the use of the melanoma eCDS during a consultation. A variety of stakeholders were interviewed to understand a wide range of perspectives on the tool. 

Timely diagnosis of the serious skin cancer melanoma can improve patient outcomes. Clinical guidelines suggest that GPs use checklists, such as the 7-point checklist (7PCL), to assess pigmented lesions. In 2016, the 7PCL was disseminated by EMIS as an electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) tool.

The aim of the study was to understand GP and patient perspectives on the implementation and usefulness of the eCDS. To that extent, semi-structured interviews with GPs and patients were undertaken. The interviews took place in four general practices in the south east of England following consultations using the eCDS for suspicious pigmented lesions.

Summary: Successful implementation of a new tool, such as eCDS for melanoma, requires GPs to perceive its value and understand how it can best be integrated into clinical practice. Disseminating a tool without such explanations is unlikely to promote its adoption into routine practice.

Publication
Pannebakker MM, Mills K, Johnson M, Emery JD, Walter FM. Understanding implementation and usefulness of electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) for melanoma in English primary care: a qualitative investigation. BJGP Open. 2019. doi:10.3399/bjgpopen18X101635