Background: Melanoma, the deadliest yet least prevalent type of skin cancer, poses significant health risks, particularly due to its heritable aspects. Despite advances in genomic testing for melanoma, its adoption in clinical practice has been slow. This study evaluates the efficacy of educational workshops designed to enhance the capability, opportunity, and motivation of skin cancer specialists to integrate melanoma genomic testing into their practice.
Methods: Employing a mixed methods approach, the study involved pre- and post-workshop surveys administered to skin cancer clinicians during the Australasian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meetings in 2023 and 2024. The surveys assessed clinicians' genomic knowledge, confidence, and perceived relevance of genomic testing. The workshops, based on the COM-B model of behaviour change, aimed to improve knowledge of pedigree analysis, melanoma genetics, and risk assessments.
Results (2023 meeting): Thirty-nine clinicians participated, with 35 completing both surveys. Pre-workshop, only 38.2% had offered genomic testing, and 14.7% had ordered tests. Post-workshop, significant increases in confidence across all genetic testing-related skills were observed (p<0.05). The perceived relevance of melanoma genomic testing increased from 46% to 80% (p=0.0061). Major barriers identified included time constraints and cost issues, with 74% of participants suggesting that embedding a part-time genetic counsellor could mitigate these barriers.
Conclusion: The workshops significantly enhanced clinicians' confidence and perceived relevance of melanoma genomic testing, highlighting the potential of educational interventions to support the mainstreaming of genomic testing. Addressing systemic barriers through policy changes and integrating genetic counsellors into practice could further facilitate the adoption of this critical diagnostic tool.