Shared Decision Making in Procedural Pediatric Dermatology Relating to Neoplasm Diagnosis and Management
Indiana University
Overview:
Patients are experts in their lived experience; providers are experts in evidence-based medicine. Shared decision making (SDM) blends these perspectives to reach a treatment consensus. SDM improves patient knowledge, reduces regret, and increases adherence. In pediatrics, SDM is more complex due to the added perspectives of caregivers and child development. Our study examines SDM in evaluating pediatric skin growths of uncertain nature (benign vs. atypical/malignant). A biopsy under local anesthesia may suffice, but if atypical, a larger excision may follow. Alternatively, full excision upfront may lead to larger scars or require sedation.
We aim to identify factors important to patients and families when choosing between biopsy and full excision. Children age 6+ and their guardians will complete case-based surveys. We hypothesize that decision-making factors will vary by patient age and gender. Our findings aim to support more informed, patient-centered SDM in pediatric dermatology.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 William Weston Career Development Award.