Biopsy site selfies - A quality improvement pilot study to assist with correct surgical site identification Journal Article


Authors: Nijhawan, R. I.; Lee, E. H.; Nehal, K. S.
Article Title: Biopsy site selfies - A quality improvement pilot study to assist with correct surgical site identification
Abstract: BACKGROUND Determining the biopsy site location of a skin cancer before treatment is often challenging. OBJECTIVE To study the implementation and effectiveness of biopsy site selfies as a quality improvement measure for correct surgical site identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the first phase, the ability of dermatologic surgeon and patient to definitively identify the biopsy site and whether photography was needed to ensure site agreement were recorded. In the second phase, patients were requested to take biopsy site selfies, and after implementation, similar data were collected including whether a biopsy site selfie was helpful for definitive site identification. RESULTS In the first phase, the physician and patient were unable to identify the biopsy site 17.6% (49/278) and 25.5% (71/278) of cases, respectively. A photograph was needed in 22.7% of cases (63/278). After implementation of biopsy site selfies, the physician and patient were unable to identify the biopsy site 17.4% (23/132) and 15.2% (20/132) of cases, respectively. Biopsy site selfies were available for 64.1% of cases for which no internal image was available and critical for site identification in 21.4% of these cases. CONCLUSION Biopsy site selfies has proven to be helpful for correct surgical site identification by both the physician and the patient and may also provide further reassurance and confidence for patients. © 2015 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; aged; major clinical study; skin biopsy; skin cancer; pilot study; total quality management; surgeon; physician; photography; chemosurgery; skin surgery; curettage; local excision; human; male; female; priority journal; article; electrodessication
Journal Title: Dermatologic Surgery
Volume: 41
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1076-0512
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2015-04-01
Start Page: 499
End Page: 504
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000000305
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 25760559
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 4 May 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Kishwer S Nehal
    278 Nehal
  2. Erica H Lee
    135 Lee