ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In this follow-up study to previous work, the authors survey the availability of key measures and resources pertaining to residency research in U.S. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited dermatology residency programs, including potential policy changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The chief objective of this survey was to evaluate and compare dermatology programs' resident research requirements and guidelines. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed a 13-item survey administered online in early 2021 to assess the degree to which dermatology residency programs require and support their new physician graduates in scholarly research endeavors. RESULTS: A total of 32 program directors representing 30 dermatology residency programs (30 of 138 accredited programs contacted [22%]) responded to the survey. Almost all programs described quality improvement project requirements for residents and were able to provide funding for resident conference participation. Most programs also reported resident publication requirements and the availability of research electives. However, the vast majority did not have required research rotations or a formal mentorship program. The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a substantial impact on residency research requirements. CONCLUSION: Our survey provides objective data about the current dermatology resident research requirements across the United States. These findings may prove valuable to prospective applicants, residency programs, and accrediting agencies in improving, advancing, and structuring dermatology residency guidelines and resources with the aim of encouraging new physician trainees to pursue research.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in health care workers donning personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to review facial PPE (surgical masks and N95 respirators) ingredients, to identify facial PPE resterilization techniques, and to recommend strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE-related dermatoses. METHODS: Twenty-one facial PPE (11 N95 respirators, 10 surgical masks) were reviewed. Resterilization techniques were identified. Personal protective equipment-induced occupational dermatoses and management strategies were explored. RESULTS: Polypropylene is the most common chemical identified in facial PPE. Most masks contain aluminum at the nosepiece. Two surgical masks released nickel. Facial PPE dermatoses include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, and contact urticaria. Strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE occupational dermatoses are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: There are increasing reports of occupational dermatoses associated with facial PPE. This review discusses the components of facial PPE, mask resterilization methods, and strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE dermatoses.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Occupational/etiology , Facial Dermatoses/chemically induced , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Personal Protective Equipment/adverse effects , COVID-19/prevention & control , Dermatitis, Occupational/diagnosis , Facial Dermatoses/diagnosis , HumansABSTRACT
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased hand hygiene and hand cleansing awareness. To prevent virus transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. Hand hygiene products are available in a variety of forms, and while each of these formulations may be effective against COVID-19, they may also alter skin barrier integrity and function. As health care workers and the general population focus on stringent hand hygiene, the American Contact Dermatitis Society anticipates an increase in both irritant contact and allergic contact hand dermatitis. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with moisturizers have the least sensitizing and irritancy potential when compared to soaps and synthetic detergents. This article provides an overview of the most frequently used hand hygiene products and their associations with contact dermatitis as well as recommendations from the American Contact Dermatitis Society on how to treat and prevent further dermatitis.