Utility of the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide validated evidence of health and quality of life (QoL) from the patient perspective. Several national PROMs programmes have been implemented in the National Health Service - specifically for common elective procedures. Local implementation is varied across settings and populations. The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is rapidly increasing, posing considerable burden on UK healthcare resources, yet there is limited evidence of use of PROMs in NMSC and little information about patients' perceived health and QoL. Objectives: This study will explore feasibility of implementing a skin cancer-specific PROM - Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (SCQOLIT) for NMSC. Methods: Three hundred patients with a pathological diagnosis of NMSC undergoing all treatment modalities will be recruited to complete SCQOLIT questionnaires at baseline, at 3, 6 and 9 months. Participation and response rates, missing data and individual change scores will be analysed. Staff and patients will be interviewed to explore acceptability and feasibility of collecting PROMs data. Results: Interim results of the project to date will be presented. Feasibility will be assessed by evaluating number of eligible patients, number of consenting patients, reasons for not consenting and participant number. Individual longitudinal change in scores, response rates and psychometric properties of the SCQOLIT will be reported. Implications: Acceptability and feasibility of the SCQOLIT tool has never been rigorously assessed in Dermatology clinics. A validated NMSC-specific PROM would help standardize multi-centred trials, allow robust evaluation of quality of care and more appropriately direct healthcare resources to improve QoL in patients with NMSC.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

90 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged over 18 yrs old
* All patients with a histopathological diagnosis of NMSC (primary or recurrent disease)
* All treatments used for NMSC will be included; excision, shave excision, curettage and cautery, Mohs micrographic surgery, photodynamic therapy and topical treatments e.g. imiquimod cream.

Exclusion Criteria:

The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:

* Concurrent internal malignancy as this is likely to significantly influence QOL.
* Patients referred onwards to other specialties for management of their skin cancer e.g. Plastic surgeons / Clinical oncology.
* Other significant dermatological diseases e.g. severe inflammatory or blistering skin conditions as this may influence QOL.
* Inability to consent for themselves.