Abstract
Diseases that directly affect the skin are the fourth most frequent cause of all human illnesses. Despite this, skin diseases continue to receive little attention. Dermatology waiting times in Ireland are longer when compared to other health systems abroad. In this study we highlight a cohort of dermatological patients with inflammatory skin conditions, that require attention with regards to access to dermatological services. Aim of this study was to analyse our patient cohort currently taking biologic therapy to determine how they accessed the hospital system and the time course of transition to systemic and biologics therapy. This was a retrospective study with analysis of patients on biologic agents: etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, infliximab and golimumab for chronic dermatoses from 2006-2012. We identified 157 patients on biologics between this period, with 114 of these patients currently on biologic therapy. Although 55% (62) were seen within 6 months of referral the mean wait from receipt of a GP referral letter to being seen in the outpatient was 11.6 months (range 0-87 months). This study shows that patients with severe inflammatory skin disease face significant delays in accessing the hospital system. This is partly due to inadequate infrastructure and staffing of Dermatology units.
Highlights
Dermatology waiting times in Ireland are longer when compared to other health systems abroad
The quality of life for people with chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, hidradenitits supprativa and acne can be significantly impaired, and such impairment can be greater at times than for life threatening conditions such as cancer [7]
The impact on quality of life in psoriasis patients, should not be under estimated and it is similar to conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease or asthma [8,9]
Summary
Dermatology waiting times in Ireland are longer when compared to other health systems abroad. Incidence of melanoma rates are rising annually, according to the 2010 National Cancer Registry of Ireland report, between 1998 and 2008, melanoma rates have increased 91% (from 393 cases in 1998 to 752 in 2008) Skin cancer such as melanoma can be devastating and the recent National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), has focused much attention on the importance of early melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Diseases that directly affect the skin are the fourth most frequent cause of all human illnesses They affect 1.9 billion people at any time, despite this, skin diseases continue to receive little attention in national and international health debates [1]
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