Allowing patients who have had a localised primary melanoma excision to carry out self-surveillance may be a promising new model of follow-up care, Australian dermatologists say.

Their pilot randomised controlled trial of patient-led surveillance in 100 people over six months found such monitoring was safe, feasible and as acceptable to patients as doctor-led care.

The participants (mean age 59, 54% men) were undergoing routine follow-up at one of two melanoma specialty clinics in Sydney or at a primary care skin clinic in Newcastle, and had been diagnosed with stage 0, I or II localised melanoma.

To participate in the Melanoma Self-Surveillance (MEL-SELF) study they had to have a smartphone compatible with the study app and to have a partner or friend who would help them carry out skin self-examinations.