A dermatology outpatient waiting list initiative.
Skin disease is the most common reason for people to present to their general practitioner (GP) with a new episode of disease. In April 2010 there were estimated 23,000 patients on dermatology outpatient waiting lists in Ireland, including almost 11,000 patients waiting over 6 months. We analysed the data of 200 dermatology outpatient visits scheduled under an initiative to target patients waiting more than 120 days for a new dermatology outpatient appointment. There were 171 (85.5%) patients seen, 29 (14.5%) patients did not attend the appointment. The data from 161 patients seen under the initiative was included in the analysis. Skin lesions accounted for 81 (50%) referrals, of these 71 (44%) patients had benign skin lesions and 10 (6%) patients were considered to have suspicious skin lesions. There was no case of malignant melanoma. After the initial consultation, 66% (106) of the patients were discharged to their primary care physician.
Department of Dermatology, St James's Hospital, James's St, Dublin 8. cc_foley@yahoo.ie
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Foley
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Corby
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Barnes
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003880:Dermatology / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists; D055815:Young Adult