The diagnostic accuracy of Danish GPs in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions.
BACKGROUND
The GP often has a primary function in assessing pigmented skin lesions in Denmark. No data are available on the diagnostic accuracy of this process.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to study the sensitivity, specificity and positive prognostic value of the diagnosis made by 27 trained or trainee GPs.


METHODS
We tested the diagnostic accuracy of the viewing of colour slides of pigmented skin lesions under standardized conditions at a seminar on skin cancer. Diagnostic accuracy was determined only for the clinically relevant diagnosis of benign or malignant.


RESULTS
The median diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity) for the group as a whole was 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.80), the specificity was 0.70 (95% CI 0.68-0.79) and the positive predictive value 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77).


CONCLUSIONS
These values are comparable with previously published figures for trainee dermatologists, and it is therefore concluded that ongoing interest rather than basic training is the major determinant for clinical acumen.
Jemec
G B
GB
Dept of Medicine, Roskilde Hospital, Denmark.
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003718:Denmark; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*