The development of an improved method of photography for mole-monitoring at the University Hospital of North Durham

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of patients presenting with pigmented lesions to general practitioners. This increase is reflected in the number of patients referred for whole body mole-monitoring photographs to the Medical Photography and Illustration Department of the University Hospital of North Durham. Through a process of qualitative and quantitative research, an improved method of whole body photographic mole-monitoring was devised and implemented within this department. All aspects of the mole-monitoring service were evaluated, from the original photographic request to the photographic session and patient interaction. This process also offered the opportunity to explore the possible use of new technologies.