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Consultant physicians working with patients - Royal College of ...

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2 Specialties Dermatology run monitoring clinics for isotretinoin andbiologic/systemic treatments for inflammatory skindiseases.Tertiary care servicesThe UK has many national and international experts indermatology who provide services for complex cases.As <strong>of</strong> January 2011, national commissioned groupservices in England exist for: xeroderma pigmentosum,epidermolysis bullosa, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome,neur<strong>of</strong>ibromatosis types 1 and 2, Fabry disease andcryopyrin diseases. The National Commissioning BoardDermatology Clinical Reference Group is developing, in2013, nationally commissioned networks <strong>of</strong> specialisedservices in over 20 areas <strong>of</strong> dermatology, which may becommissioned from April 2013 onwards. Proposals forthis service include virtual MDTs <strong>with</strong> referralsdelivered through a portal hosted by the BAD.Psychological servicesPeople <strong>with</strong> skin disorders <strong>of</strong>ten benefit frompsychological intervention, but services are <strong>of</strong>tenlimited by NHS financial restraints. The NICEguidelines for skin cancer care require psychologicalservices to be available for those <strong>with</strong> skin cancer.Community careCommunity pharmacists can reinforceself-care/self-help messages at the point <strong>of</strong> dispensingfor <strong>patients</strong>. People spent £413 million (18% <strong>of</strong>over-the-counter (OTC) sales) on skin treatments in theUK in 2007. 1Camouflage services may be an integral part <strong>of</strong> care.Complementary servicesAlternative therapies lack evidence <strong>of</strong> efficacy and safetyand some (eg eastern herbal treatments) may containpotent corticosteroids or liver toxins.3 Working <strong>with</strong> <strong>patients</strong>: patient-centredcareEnsuring that the patient is at the centre <strong>of</strong> carePatient involvement and choiceInvolving <strong>patients</strong> in choice and decision-making abouttheir care has been improved by increasing consultationtimes <strong>with</strong> doctors and nurses and by providing qualityinformation such as BAD patient information leaflets(PILS) (available at www.bad.org.uk).Patient choice would be enhanced were information for<strong>patients</strong> available, at the point <strong>of</strong> choice, about thequalifications, experience and accreditation <strong>of</strong> doctorsproviding services.Patient support groups and access to informationThe BAD recognises and supports 55 patient supportgroups (PSGs), providing links to their websites fromwww.bad.org.uk, where over 130 PILS on over 120conditions are available.Education and promoting self-care for acute andchronic skin diseasesInformation provided by PSGs is invaluable. The BADprovides ongoing support, including financial grants, tothe PSGs.Role <strong>of</strong> the expert patientThe Dermatology Councils for England, Scotland andWales represent multiple stakeholders including thePSGs. Patient and public involvement groups (PPIs)are active in many dermatology departments.4 Interspecialty and interdisciplinary liaisonDermatology care is carried out most efficiently in theUK using a hospital-based team led by a consultantdermatologist, <strong>with</strong> SAS doctors, GPs and nurses insecondary and integrated intermediate care.Multidisciplinary teams in skin cancer clinics involvedermatologists, surgeons, histopathologists,oncologists, radiotherapists, nurses, and psychiatristsand psychologists (see BAD and PsychodermatologyUK <strong>working</strong> party report on psycho-dermatology). 13Combined clinics between dermatologists and hospitalspecialists exist for complex problems, eg involvingrheumatology, plastic surgery, HIV, genital/oraldiseases, psychiatry, paediatrics, genetics, stomas, eyes,vascular surgery and allergy.5 Delivering a high-quality dermatologyserviceWhat is a high-quality service?A dermatology service should provide patient-centredcare focusing on outcomes that meet national standards.To achieve this, all staff must be correctly trained andaccredited and the local service structure should provideC○ <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> Physicians 2013 83

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