Strategies to maximize clinical efficiency while maintaining patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interview-based study from private practice dermatologists.
J Dermatolog Treat
; 33(3): 1503-1506, 2022 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-863200
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Many dermatologists have experienced significant changes to their practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.OBJECTIVE:
It is vital to recognize how the pandemic has affected dermatology practices and identify methods to maximize clinical efficiency while maintaining patient safety.METHODS:
Private practice dermatologists in metropolitan areas were interviewed regarding various issues, including patient volume, types of visits or procedures being performed, screening for COVID-19, and operational modifications.RESULTS:
On average, there was a 65.2% decrease in patient volume during the initial surge of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was improved to a 15.5% decrease in July 2020. Despite this reduction in patient volume, the proportion of acute dermatologic issues, biopsies performed, and skin cancer concerns were all increased compared to pre-COVID. All of the dermatologists reported notable changes in regards to scheduling, staff, operations, and workplaces.LIMITATIONS:
Interview participants were limited to metropolitan dermatologists mainly within the California region.CONCLUSION:
Improving patient communication, implementing protocols to facilitate social distancing, and utilizing teledermatology were reported to be essential to optimizing efficiency and safety. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it is important that dermatologists identify specific ways to practice efficiently and effectively, while mitigating the spread of the virus.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Dermatology
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Dermatolog Treat
Journal subject:
Dermatology
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
09546634.2020.1836312
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