The Duties of Dermatologists During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: Results of a Nationwide Survey.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a reorganization of health services throughout many countries. In this study, we aimed to get an overview of the duties of the dermatologists during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. In light of the results, we aimed to determine the aspects of Turkish dermatology practice which might require innovation. Methods: Dermatologists across Turkey were asked to fill in an online 11-item questionnaire survey, investigating their duty/duties (dermatology outpatient and inpatient clinics, pandemic outpatient and inpatient clinics, emergency, etc.) month by month during March-June 2020. Results: A total of 217 dermatologists participated in the survey. Vast majority (91-98%) of the participants reported that they performed dermatology outpatient visits. While 41.5-56.2% of participants were redeployed to pandemic inpatient clinics, 12.9-29% were mobilized to pandemic outpatient clinics. Each month, at least 90% of the residents that participated in the questionnaire reported that they were recruited to pandemic inpatient clinics. Conclusion: As the impact of COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing in Turkey, these data should be taken into consideration to rapidly implement new measures in Turkish dermatology practices such as a referral system for dermatology outpatient visits to equitably distribute dermatology services, widespread use of telemedicine, and virtual educations of residents.

Why some of the dermatologists choose to avoid carrying out minimally invasive cosmetic procedures?

BACKGROUND: Some dermatologists choose to avoid carrying out cosmetic dermatology procedures. The aim of this study is to reveal the knowledge and daily outpatient clinic applications of dermatologists in Turkey, and their problems concerning minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (MICPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study. Between December 2014 and July 2015, a questionnaire was sent to dermatologists by e-mail. RESULTS: Of the 318 participant dermatologists, 233 (73.3%) were female. It was determined that 63.8% of the participants had sufficient knowledge on MICP (very good, good, and medium) while 36.2% had insufficient knowledge (little, very little, and none). About 19.9% of the patients required MICP during outpatient clinic service. The 120 dermatologists who do not apply MICP gave the following reasons: not having adequate training (50%), MICP not being profitable (28.3), not having enough time (25%), being worried about side effects and complications (14.2%), and legal problems (9.2%). CONCLUSION: It was observed that many dermatologists are interested in cosmetic dermatology, received their training on the subject through courses, have sufficient knowledge, and apply these procedures. However, it was also found out that some dermatologists do not apply MICP due to inadequate training, time, and physical constraints.

Do dermatologists have cosmetic procedures?

BACKGROUND: Current approach and ideas of dermatologists about undergoing MICPs themselves are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal current situation and thought of dermatologists about undergoing minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (MICPs) themselves. METHODS: This study was planned as a cross-sectional, descriptive study and performed between December 2014 and July 2015. A questionnaire comprising 11 questions was sent to dermatologists via electronic mail. RESULTS: Of the 318 dermatologists, 233 (73.3%) were female and 85 (26.7%) were male. It was established that 56 percent (n = 178) of the dermatologists underwent MICPs. There was a statistical difference between the gender and having MICPs (female = 66.1% vs. male = 28.2%; P < 0.001). They selected dermatologists (91%) as a performer and private settings (67.2%). To be young and beautiful (77%), they had MICPs after medical residency (75.3%). Physicians' experience (66.9%) was the most important criterion. Of the dermatologists who did not have MICPs were planning to have MICPs (76.4%). The most frequent reason that stopped them from having MICPs was "not need yet" (62.1%). CONCLUSION: There are some tendencies among the dermatologists while selecting a physician for the procedures. They usually have MICPs after dermatology residency to seem younger and more beautiful by an experienced dermatologist in private setting. Male Turkish dermatologists have MICPs more frequently than the general population. Their satisfaction level with MICPs is very high. Most of dermatologists who do not have MICPs are planning to have MICPs.