Audit of primary and secondary care as a source of patch test clinic referrals.
BACKGROUND
Referral for patch testing is important in managing patients with eczema/dermatitis. These referrals come from many different sources.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the appropriateness of referrals from general practitioners (GPs) to a dedicated patch test clinic.


METHODS
Referral sources were recorded for patch testing in a dedicated contact dermatitis unit for a 4-month period between November 2002 and February 2003.


RESULTS
Of 217 referrals reviewed, 45 (21%) were received from GPs. There was no significant difference in the percentages of positive patch test results and of relevant positive patch test results obtained from GP referrals compared with those received from other sources, including dermatology departmental referrals.


CONCLUSIONS
Referrals from GPs, if selected appropriately, can be seen directly in the patch test clinic without prior assessment in a general dermatology clinic.
Lamb
S R
SR
Contact Dermatitis Unit, Department of Dermatology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX, U.K. kiwisinleeds@hotmail.com
Wilkinson
S M
SM
D002983:Clinical Competence; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003880:Dermatology / Q000458:organization & administration; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010328:Patch Tests; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures