Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
To effectively educate patients on sunburn prevention during consultations, follow these key strategies:
- Identify at-risk groups: Tailor advice to children, young people, those with fair skin, red or fair hair, blue or green eyes, many moles, immunosuppressed individuals, people with personal or family history of skin cancer, outdoor workers, and those with intermittent high sun exposure such as holidaymakers or sunbathers NICE NG34.
- Communicate balanced messages: Explain both the benefits and risks of sunlight exposure, including how UV strength varies by time of day, and clarify common misconceptions about sun exposure and tanning NICE NG34.
- Specify protective actions: Advise on practical sun protection methods such as wearing suitable clothing with close-weave fabrics, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen appropriately NICE NG34.
- Use behaviour change principles: Clearly specify recommended actions, explain the benefits of these behaviours, and enhance patients’ confidence in their ability to adopt them NICE NG34.
- Provide tailored advice: Offer one-to-one or group advice suited to the individual’s risk profile and skin type, explaining how sunburn indicates skin damage and that tanning does not protect against further damage NICE NG34.
- Incorporate local language and cultural relevance: Deliver messages in languages spoken locally and ensure cultural appropriateness to improve understanding and engagement NICE NG34.
- Encourage regular skin checks: Educate patients on signs of skin cancer and the importance of monitoring their skin NICE NG34.
By integrating these approaches into consultations, you can empower patients to make informed decisions and adopt effective sunburn prevention behaviours.