Purpose
DermCAP exists to improve decision quality at first contact in primary care skin lesion assessment. Variation in
referral thresholds and diagnostic confidence contributes to defensive referrals, inconsistent referral quality, and
avoidable downstream demand. DermCAP was designed to address this upstream — safely, measurably, and at
system scale.
What DermCAP Is
DermCAP (Dermoscopy Capability Acceleration Programme) is a 13-month, governance-led clinical intervention
embedded within primary care. It improves referral quality and diagnostic decision-making through structured
supervision, clearly defined safety boundaries, and ongoing feedback within routine practice.
Why DermCAP Was Created
DermCAP was developed following direct observation of the widening gap between dermatology demand and upstream diagnostic capability. Education alone was not solving referral variability. What was needed was a structured, supervised model that improved how decisions are made at the point of first presentation.
Alignment with NHS & ICB Priorities
DermCAP aligns with current NHS and Integrated Care priorities, including improving referral quality and pathway efficiency, reducing avoidable downstream demand, supporting safe workforce capability development, and delivering measurable value within constrained systems.
Governance & Patient Safety
Clinical governance is central to DermCAP. The programme operates within explicit safety boundaries, defined escalation pathways, supervised early phases, and ongoing monitoring to prevent risk drift. Patient safety remains the organising principle at every stage
Evidence-Informed Approach
DermCAP draws on established primary care audit principles, supervised clinical practice models, and published
dermoscopy literature. Referral behaviour data and safety metrics can be made available to commissioning
organisations where appropriate.
Who DermCAP Is For
DermCAP is commissioned at system level and implemented within general practice. It is not a direct-to-consumer course and does not operate independently of governance oversight.