Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe: a pan-European survey

BackgroundWhen used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clini-cians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers.Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatol-ogists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.ObjectivesTo identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencingthe use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.MethodsAll registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited tocomplete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practicecharacteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills,patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudesrelating to dermoscopy utility.ResultsWe collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of der-moscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment(58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during resi-dency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers(P