Dermatology

This is intended as a resource to support demand management in dermatology.

There is a wide range of referral rates across the locality. Dermatology Referrals shows 1st appointments per 1000 by practices for 1 year, across locality. PCT average is 17.6. (Assuming accuracy of data from providers). It seems likely that there is scope to increase the activity within primary care, whilst maintaining a high quality service. Different areas have developed a range of models. Within Lambeth, it is proposed that an educational approach is tried, with a view to increasing skills and confidence as widely as possible.

Here are some resources that may be of help:

• Dermatological Guidelines from MSW. (A biggish download, but worth it.)
• Scottish Pathways (Can assume England is much the same)
• British Association of Dermatologists Guidelines (What it says on the tin)
• Prodigy Guidance (Now known as CKS. Still good stuff)
• BMJ Clinical Evidence (May need to log in. Related Best Treatment site good for patients. Both may be at risk)
• Mims (A couple of helpful tables on sensitisers and steroids)
• Merec Bulletin on Eczema (A useful summary, if a couple of years old)
• DermNet NZ (Comprehensive New Zealand resource)
• DermIS (Less intuitive but worth a browse)
• DermAtlas (Pictures and comments, with a primitive diagnostic tool)
• Primary Care Dermatology Society Discretely sponsored, and of some interest
• Mims Dermatology Another sponsored mag but useful articles

A recent Working Together meeting at STH updated on their services, and a website is coming soon.

Working together

If anyone has other useful resources to suggest, that would be most welcome.

Further educational and developmental activities will follow.