Semi-automated total body photography supports robust delivery of skin cancer monitoring services during the SARS-COV2/COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the delivery of healthcare, including dermatological services. In the initial stages of the pandemic, reduced patient flow produced a dramatic drop in the volume of skin cancer screening. Consistent with COVID-19 precautions, our practice conducted visual skin examinations (VSE) utilizing semi-automated total body photography (TBP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patient characteristics and self-reported melanoma risk factors associated with TBP usage was conducted on all patients from May to November 2020 in a single practitioner private dermatology setting. The process and histopathology-confirmed outcomes were compared to those in the same 6-month period in 2019. RESULTS: For the May-November 2020 timeframe, those who opted for the home TBP (35%) compared to clinic TBP were younger, had higher self-reported skin cancer risk, and were more likely to have had previous TBP sessions. Overall, the number of TBP sessions increased, while dermoscopy usage and biopsy number decreased. There was no change in the number and distribution of skin cancer diagnoses compared to the same period in 2019. The Melanoma-In-Situ:Invasive Melanoma (MIS:INV) ratio was above the U.S. ratio reported for 2020 of 0.95:1 (95,710 MIS:100,350 INV). CONCLUSION: Semi-automated TBP was successfully implemented during the pandemic without affecting skin cancer detection.

Depression screening by physical therapists: Practices, beliefs, barriers.

BACKGROUND: Depression, a common comorbidity encountered in physical therapy (PT) practice, negatively impacts outcomes. There is limited knowledge of PT practice patterns relative to screening for depression. OBJECTIVE: Objectives were to describe beliefs regarding depression, and identify practice patterns and perceived barriers regarding screening for depression among APTA Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) PTs. METHODS: Surveys were distributed to all PT OCSs in the US; 416 responses were analyzed. Descriptive, univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of respondents believed that depression has a moderate to high influence on PT outcomes, whereas 68% believed a pre-existing diagnosis of depression influences the plan of care. Most believed that 20% or more of their current patients presented with symptoms of depression. Nevertheless, only 18% formally screen for depression during the initial evaluation. Those with formal depression screening education were 2.3 times more likely to screen at initial examination. Common barriers to screening included lack of department policy, limited knowledge and lack of follow-up resources. CONCLUSIONS: Formal screening did not occur as frequently as expected, given the belief regarding depression's impact on plan of care and outcomes. Addressing barriers may assist in greater compliance with recommended screening guidelines.