Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
7-14-2023
Abstract
The Rural Skin Cancer Screenings hosted by the UNM Department of Dermatology. It was originally student run, but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The screenings were restarted this past year, with the goal of serving rural locations and seeing patients with poor access to dermatology care. The department targets rural communities around the state that would otherwise not have dermatologists in the area.
The screenings are coordinated by the UNM Department of Dermatology and relies on the collaboration of students and volunteers from various health professions to run smoothly. We work together to plan the events, screen patients, and tackle any issues or concerns that the patients or Dermatologists may have during the event. Patients are screened by both volunteers and resident or attending Dermatologists. They are then given referrals if needed, and provided with additional information and samples regarding treatment they might need.
Over the past year, we have hosted screenings in Gallup, Taos, Carlsbad, Rio Rancho, and Albuquerque. The day begins very early. Often times we have a line out the door before we officially open, due to need and interest. All volunteers regardless of profession have the ability to screen patients. It begins by going over the profess with new volunteers. Volunteers then call patients back and ask them pertinent screening questions. They then discuss the patient with resident and attending dermatologists. After, the dermatologists and volunteers give the patient their diagnosis and referral if needed. After which, we tally all of the paperwork together and we count how many patients needed a referral. We plan on using this data in the future for a research project on the efficacy and experience of these events. These events have also caught a number of high-risk cancers, including melanoma, and many patients have expressed not having the ability to get into be seen.
This past year, the screenings have become part of IPE activities and are frequently advertised to the different health specialties. We have had a number of students from the nursing and PA schools assist us with the screenings that now express interest in going into dermatology when they graduate. These screenings not only provide an opportunity to better serve our community, but they also give learners from other health professions to engage with patients and learn more about dermatology. New Mexico is in critical need of dermatologists and professionals trained in Dermatology, so providing as many learners from all health professions is critical for providing better care in our community.
Recommended Citation
Rangel, Dante. "Rural Skin Cancer Screenings: Providing care for the underserved." (2023). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ipe_day/3
Comments
Poster presented at Interprofessional Education Day 2023