Patient involvement in pre-surgical triaging for non-melanoma skin cancer: A feasibility study

The rising incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) calls for innovation to manage the disease, given its significant morbidity and associated costs. Effective triaging is crucial to optimize patient pathways and reduce hospital visits. This study investigated whether pre-surgical triage could be improved by inviting patients with NMSC to capture and submit two photographs of their skin lesions and completing a questionnaire using a mobile application called ‘Mit Sygehus’, which is an integrated part of the patients’ electronic medical record.

Our study employed a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the practicality and patient experience with the application. Three patients participated in a workshop where they successfully used the ‘Mit Sygehus’ application and provided valuable feedback that led to refinements in the process. A pilot study was conducted, inviting 55 eligible patients, with 27 responding. Of these, 18 were triaged directly to surgical treatment and avoided a visit in the outpatient clinic. Interviews with 15 patients who did not accept the invitation revealed technical difficulties as the primary barrier, despite a willingness to participate. A subset of patients preferred traditional consultations due to advanced age and uncertainty as to the use of the new technology.

In conclusion, incorporating patient-submitted photographs into the pre-surgical planning process for NMSC appears promising for optimizing patient triage.