Building safe Dermoscopy Capability in Primary Care

Helping primary care teams assess skin lesions with confidence

Is this programme for you?

You begin with a calibration phase focused on safety, workflow, and expectations. You work alongside supervisors in supported spot clinics. Gradually, as patterns become familiar, independence increases. Throughout, advice and supervision remain available. If in doubt, referral remains the correct and supported decision.

2-minute Overview

Circular diagram showing the DermCAP learning model with calibration, supervised practice, gradual progression, and ongoing access
The DermCAP model supports calibration, supervised learning, gradual progression, and ongoing access to advice within routine clinical practice.

What DermCAP is — and what it isn’t

What it is:

  • A 13-month clinical apprenticeship in dermoscopy
  • Built around real patient encounters in primary care
  • Supervised by experienced clinicians
  • Structured, Paced, and Safety-led
  • Designed to fit alongside normal clinical work

What it isn’t:

  • Not a weekend or short course
  • Not image libraries without clinical context
  • Not pressure to manage rather than refer
  • Not confidence without clear boundaries.

How participation works (high level)

You begin with a calibration phase focused on safety, workflow, and expectations. You work alongside supervisors in supported spot clinics. Gradually, as patterns become familiar, independence increases. Throughout, advice and supervision remain available. If in doubt, referral remains the correct and supported decision.

Four-stage diagram showing how DermCAP works: calibration phase, supervised spot clinics, progressive independence, and ongoing support
The DermCAP programme progresses from an initial calibration phase through supervised spot clinics to progressive independence, with ongoing access to support.

Supervision, support, and safety

DermCAP is built around the principle that no clinician should feel they are working alone. Support includes direct supervision during early clinics,case-based feedback on real lesions, clear escalation routes, explicit permission to refer when uncertain, and defined safety boundaries at every stage.

Time commitment and workload

The programme is designed to be modest, predictable, and realistic. Learning is integrated into clinical work rather than added on top. There are no surprise time demands,and the structure respects existing roles and responsibilities.

Access and commissioning

DermCAP is usually offered through local commissioning arrangements (for example via ICBs or place-based systems), rather than as an individually purchased course.If you are interested as an individual clinician or practice, you are still welcome to register your interest. We can advise on local availability and future options. There is no obligation at this stage.

Next Steps

If DermCAP sounds like it may be a good fit for you or your practice, you can register your interest or request further details.