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Inter- and Intra-Physician Variation in Quantifying Actinic Keratosis Skin Photodamage
Journal of Clinical & Investigative Dermatology
  • Benjamin Schmeusser
  • Christina E. Borchers, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Jeffrey B. Travers, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Samia Borchers
  • Justin Trevino, Wright State University
  • Max Rubin
  • Heidi Donnelly
  • Karl Kellawan, Wright State University
  • Lydia Carpenter
  • Shalini Bahl
  • Craig A. Rohan, Wright State University - Main Campuse
  • Elizabeth Muennich, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Scott Guenthner
  • Holly Hahn
  • Ali Rkein
  • Marc Darst
  • Nico Mousdicas
  • Elizabeth E. Cates, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Ulas Sunar, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Trevor J. Bihl, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-6-2020
Abstract

We investigated the variations in physician evaluation of skin photodamage based on a published photodamage scale. Of interest is the utility of a 10-level scale ranging from none and mild photodamage to actinic keratosis (AK). The dorsal forearms of 55 adult subjects with various amounts of photodamage were considered. Each forearm was independently evaluated by 15 board-certified dermatologists according to the Global Assessment Severity Scale ranging from 0 (less severe) to 9 (the most progressed stage of skin damage). Dermatologists rated the levels of photodamage based upon the photographs in blinded fashion. Results show substantial disagreement amongst the dermatologists on the severity of photodamage. Our results indicate that ratings could be more consistent if using a scale of less levels (3-levels). Ultimately, clinicians can use this knowledge to provide better interpretation of inter-rater evaluations and provide more reliable assessment and frequent monitoring of high-risk populations.

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Citation Information
Benjamin Schmeusser, Christina E. Borchers, Jeffrey B. Travers, Samia Borchers, et al.. "Inter- and Intra-Physician Variation in Quantifying Actinic Keratosis Skin Photodamage" Journal of Clinical & Investigative Dermatology Vol. 8 Iss. 2 (2020) ISSN: 2373-1044
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/christina_borchers/64/