The diagnostic accuracy of Danish GPs in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions

Abstract

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. Method. 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). Conclusion. 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.