Clinical and experimental dermatology
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In 2017, health and social care organizations contributed 6.3% of carbon emissions in England. Efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the National Health Service (NHS) have been broadly focused on reducing demand, through prevention and patient empowerment, and modifying supply side factors by focusing on lean care systems and low carbon alternatives. This narrative review concentrates on supply side factors to identify sustainable practices with a focus on actions that could be implemented in dermatology departments. ⋯ This narrative review highlights the need for detailed environmental impact assessments of treatment options in dermatology, in tandem with economic analysis. In conclusion, we have identified a clear need for evidence-based guidance setting out implementable actions with identifiable benefits achievable within local clinical teams. This will require engagement between clinicians, patients and healthcare organizations.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Jan 2021
Irritant contact dermatitis in healthcare workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.
COVID-19 healthcare workers (HCWs) require frequent handwashing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent infection. However, evidence is emerging that these practices are causing adverse effects on their skin integrity. A single-centre, cross-sectional study of HCWs from an Irish hospital was undertaken to evaluate the degree of COVID-19-related irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) between April and May 2020. ⋯ In the ICD group, 24.7% cited a history of dermatitis compared with 4.3% of unaffected staff (P < 0.001). The ICD group recorded PPE usage for an average of 3.15 h compared with the non-ICD group at 1.97 h (P = 0.21). Promoting awareness of COVID-19-related ICD is vital to highlight prevention and treatment for frontline staff.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Jan 2021
Comparative StudyReduction in skin cancer diagnoses in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK healthcare system, including skin cancer departments, has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite service capacity and a worldwide increase in incidence, anecdotal reports suggest a decline in skin cancer diagnoses following COVID-19. ⋯ Surprisingly, skin cancer waiting times were also reduced in the COVID period compared to the pre-COVID period (median of 8 and 12 days, respectively; P < 0.001). Collectively, these data highlight a statistically significant reduction in both skin cancer diagnoses and waiting times during the COVID period.