Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pityriasis Rosea , COVID-19 Vaccines , Humans , Pityriasis Rosea/etiology , SARS-CoV-2 , VaccinationSubject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/history , Animals , Betacoronavirus/isolation & purification , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/history , Coronavirus Infections/virology , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/isolation & purification , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/isolation & purification , SARS-CoV-2 , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/epidemiologyABSTRACT
During the pandemic, virtual conferences became the norm. We conducted a cross-sectional global study to assess dermatologists' responses to virtual conference and e-learning program attendance, as well as to discuss the status of such events during the pandemic. This web-based, global survey included 733 dermatologists. Primary outcomes are percentages of responders answering questions. Assessment of the relationship between two categorical variables was performed with the chi-square test. A substantial percentage of responders were willing to attend a virtual meeting (70.6%) or webinar (80.2%), or to conduct a webinar (47.3%). Among participants who provided resident or fellow training before the pandemic, 38% responded that they did not have any teaching systems in place during the pandemic. Virtual conference attendance was significantly associated with video conference attendance before the pandemic, webinar attendance, teledermatology (TD) use during the pandemic, future TD use, having training systems in place for residents or fellows (P < .001 for each), and North American location of participant (P = .001). Webinar attendance was associated with North American location, conducting webinars (P < .001 for each), and future TD use (P = .024). This pandemic has had a profound effect on dermatology conferences and e-learning programs. Attending video conferences and webinars or other online training was associated with TD use and future use, which indicates that these technologies are all here to stay.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Computer-Assisted Instruction , Dermatology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Internet , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, has developed into a pandemic that is still going on. The disease is transmitted mainly by aerosols. Here we discuss diagnostics and disease control measures. The social distortion by the pandemic has a negative impact on many facettes of society that potentially increase social tensions. Disease control warrants science and transparency. Vaccination provides hope to overcome the pandemic eventually.
ABSTRACT
This contribution focuses on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on dermatology practice. We discuss the impact on practice volume and procedures and on the considerable increase in teledermatology use. We also describe the important roles that dermatologists have played in enhancing infection prevention and on the frontline. During the crisis, dermatologists have faced the challenge of a shortage of resources, such as personal protective equipment, in the health care system. In addition, they have been involved in managing cutaneous manifestations related to COVID-19 and occupational disease caused by personal protective equipment. Dermatologists have made a diligent effort to identify melanoma and to ensure the treatment of high-risk skin cancers. Safety guidelines have been suggested to minimize the potential risks associated with the systemic use of immunosuppressant agents and immunomodulators in patients with severe inflammatory skin disease during the pandemic. Finally, social distancing necessitated that dermatology conferences take place virtually and teaching via e-learning increased.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Dermatology , Humans , Pandemics , Personal Protective Equipment , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) among dermatologists during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been studied. METHODS: We have assessed PPE availability among dermatologists and relevant aspects of hospital service by surveying 733 dermatologists. RESULTS: Considerable percentages of respondents had to purchase their own PPE (40.2%) and were not provided with it at the hospital (37.7%). Only 27% of respondents provided hospital service, and 18.4% were assigned to nondermatologic duty. A substantial percentage (64.4%) indicated the availability of hospital-issued management guidelines (HIMG) for COVID-19 patients. Nearly half of the survey participants (49.1%) responded that the health care system was not equipped for the pandemic. Purchasing one's own PPE was strongly associated with the private practice setting and continent, with the highest rates in Central and South America and in Europe (P < .001). PPE availability at a hospital was associated with 2 continents, with the highest rates in Europe and in North America (P < .001). In logistic regression, the most important factor reducing the odds ratio (OR) for purchasing their own PPE was HIMG for COVID-19 patients (OR, 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.97). Respondents' assessment that the health care system was equipped for COVID-19 was the most powerful increaser of OR for PPE availability (OR, 9.43; 95% CI, 5.37-16.56) followed by >1,000 COVID-19 cases in a participant's country. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial percentages of respondents had to purchase their own PPE and were not provided with it at the hospital. Strategies to increase PPE availability should be implemented by hospitals, industry, and government authorities.