How participation works
You begin with a calibration phase focused on safety, workflow, and expectations. You work alongside supervisors in structured spot clinics. As patterns become familiar, independence increases. Support remains available throughout, and if you are unsure, referral remains the correct and supported decision.
The DermCAP model supports calibration, supervised learning, gradual progression, and ongoing access to advice within routine clinical practice.
Watch how the supervised apprenticeship model works in real clinical environments.
Access to the programme
DermCAP is typically delivered through practices and local healthcare systems rather than individual enrolment.
If you are interested in taking part, register your interest and we can advise on current opportunities and local arrangements.
Participation takes place within existing governance and referral pathways.
What DermCAP is — and what it isn’t
What it is:
- A structured 13-month supported model
- Embedded in real general practice
- Supervised and safety-focused
- Designed to improve referral quality at first contact
What it isn’t:
- A one-off dermoscopy course
- A teledermatology service
- Independent practice without supervision
- A requirement to stop referring lesions
What you will actually be asked to do
Participation is practical and clearly defined.
The programme begins with a one-month calibration phase designed to establish safe foundations before progressing further.
During this month you work alongside experienced supervisors in protected spot clinics, learning how to use a dermoscope effectively, assess common lesion patterns and apply safe referral thresholds in routine practice. Decisions are reviewed, outcomes are discussed and support is available throughout.
Alongside the clinics, short online learning modules are introduced gradually through Thinkific. These focused videos typically last only a few minutes and reinforce key concepts without overwhelming day-to-day practice. You will also use a structured diary and reflection process to review cases, document learning points and track your development over time.
The aim is not speed, but the development of safe habits, clear decision thresholds and confidence in the appropriate use of dermoscopy within primary care.
At the end of the calibration month, a structured review takes place. This acts as a formal STOP / GO point before progression into the supported 12-month phase.
The review considers how safely and consistently you are applying the principles introduced during calibration, including clinical decision-making, appropriate escalation and referral, engagement with supervision and reflection, and basic documentation standards.
The purpose is not to create a barrier to participation, but to ensure that progression takes place safely and with appropriate support. If these standards are not met, the programme does not continue. Patient safety comes first
If calibration is successful, you move into a supported 12-month phase. During this time you continue assessing skin lesions within routine practice while building experience through increased case volume. Most clinicians will assess more than 200 lesions over the course of the programme.
Selected cases are reviewed, referral decisions are discussed and feedback is provided on decision-making patterns over time. Guidance remains available whenever uncertainty arises, and short reinforcement learning modules are introduced throughout the year to support ongoing development.
The aim is gradual progression rather than rapid independence. Confidence and capability build through repeated exposure, supervision and outcome-linked learning. If you are unsure, referral remains a supported and appropriate decision.
DermCAP improves decision-making without increasing clinical risk. You remain fully responsible for your patients, escalation routes are clear at every stage, supervision and advice are available when needed, and no part of the programme replaces your clinical judgement.
DermCAP is delivered through protected, funded clinical time throughout the programme. Clinicians run regular spot clinics within scheduled sessions, supported by supervision and structured feedback.
Learning is introduced in short, manageable intervals over time, allowing capability to build safely without adding significant burden to day-to-day practice.
Next Steps
If this approach fits how you want to practise, you can register your interest or request more information