Dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists: a cross-sectional survey.
BACKGROUND
Although dermatoscopy is widely used in Europe and Australia, little is known about dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to estimate the prevalence of dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists and examine associations with practice characteristics.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of all US fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology.


RESULTS
Of 8501 eligible recipients, 3238 (38.1%) surveys were completed and returned. Of respondents, 48% used dermatoscopy (n = 1555). Dermatoscopy use was associated with the following characteristics: age younger than 50 years (P < .0001), female sex (P = .0001), practice location in the Northeast (P < .0001), involvement in resident teaching (P < .0001), and dermatoscopy training (P < .0001). The main reasons for not using dermatoscopy included: lack of training (39.7%), lack of interest (32.5%), time required for dermatoscopic examination (27.6%), and belief dermatoscopy would not affect clinical decisions (15.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Low response rate and potential response bias were limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately half of respondents used dermatoscopy in their practice. Not surprisingly, dermatoscopy users were more likely to be younger, involved in resident teaching, or have training in dermatoscopy.
Engasser
Holly C
HC
Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Holly.Engasser@rfums.org
Warshaw
Erin M
EM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012737:Sex Factors; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States