The letter informs patients about their treatment, their very small risk of a recurrence, and instructs the patient on how to protect and self-examine their skin. It reassures the patient and reduces their need for a follow-up appointment at the dermatologist, as well as it supports the dermatologist with informing the patient in a timely manner and therefore a quicker discharge.
Key element of the letter is its automatic personalization. The letter works together with the electronic patient record to automatically load already registered information of an individual patient. Information such as the treatment, location and type of BCC, and pathology result, are loaded into the letter automatically. In addition, the patients personal risk of a recurrence is calculated, based on the patient’s characteristics, and inserted into the letter.
To spread the use of this letter, we aimed to make the implementation and use of the letter as easy as possible. Therefore, we took the following steps:
Dermatologists from 20 Dutch hospitals have expressed their interest in implementing the letter and joined the network. They are in various stages of the implementation process as they follow the steps in their own pace. New dermatologists are welcome to join, as we will continue to spread the use of this letter throughout the Netherlands.
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Eva Verkerk or Tijn Kool.