236 - Utilizing a Multi-modal Skin Cancer Education Program with Heart Transplant Recipients to Increase Knowledge and Sun Protection Practices

Abstract

Background: Immunosuppressant medications significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancers after transplantation. Skin cancers pose problems for transplant patients including: financial burden, impaired quality of life, pain and discomfort from treatments and procedures, and even death. Fortunately, a majority of skin cancers can be prevented or can be detected early and treated successfully. Prevention and early detection of skin cancer requires vigilant screening and strict sun protection behaviors which are often achieved with focused patient education. Skin cancer education in the post-transplant group is inadequate, but with focus and consistency may be a viable approach to addressing the problem. Methods: Twenty five post heart transplant patients who were scheduled to be seen for routine post-transplant care at a single center transplant center between October 26, 2016 and November 15, 2017 were asked to take part in a multi-modal skin cancer education program. The program included a Skin Cancer Sun Knowledge questionnaire, a 7 min video, one to one self-skin exam teach and teach back and an assurance of a dermatology follow up. The participants were asked to take the SCSK questionnaire immediately after the video and SSE teach and asked again to take it in one month and mail it back to the PC. Results: We noted a significant increase in knowledge between Pretest and Posttest 1 (P < .01) and pretest and Posttest 2 (P < .01). We also noted an increase in sun protective behavior in the following areas: wear sunscreen daily (P < .01) Pretest and Posttest 1, (P < .01), Pretest and Posttest 2; SSE (P < .01) Pretest and Posttest 1, (P < .03) Pretest and Posttest 2, and follow up with a dermatologist (P < .01) Pretest and Posttest 1, (P < .01) Pretest and Posttest 2. Conclusions: This data suggests that a multi-modal intensive skin cancer education program may be effective at increasing knowledge and sun protective behavior in the post heart transplant population.Table 1Results: Knowledge scores.Table 2Results: Knowledge significance.Table 2Results: Knowledge significance.Table 3Results: Behavior.Table 3Results: Behavior.Table 4Results: Behavior significance.Table 4Results: Behavior significance.Table 5Results: Behavior pre-test post test 1 post-text 2.Table 5Results: Behavior pre-test post test 1 post-text 2.