BackgroundA considerable proportion of GPs’ workload is dermatological. It is important to investigate what common skin conditions encountered in primary care can be self-managed, in an effort to alleviate the burden on primary care.AimThe purpose of the audit was to identify the proportion of consultations that are dermatological in nature and analyse potential for self-management by patients.MethodData was collected using the patient electronic record system (EMIS) in general practice. A search was made for all consultations from the 17 April to 15 May 2019, which included all new presenting complaints that were dermatological in nature. The criteria for self-management included advising over the counter (OTC) medication or reassurance. On the other hand, a case was deemed not self-manageable if prescription only medication (POM) was prescribed or if a referral to dermatology was made.ResultsThere were a total of 2175 consultations, where 246 (11.31%) cases were dermatological. Of the 246, 80 cases (32.5%) could be self-managed. There were 46 different dermatological presenting complaints of which the 5 most common included: rash (51 cases), dermatitis (44 cases), acne vulgaris (13 cases), moles (12 cases), dry skin (11 cases). None of the acne or moles cases could be self-managed, whereas 23%, 68.2%, 72.7% of rashes, dermatitis, and dry skin cases, respectively, could be self-managed.ConclusionCertain dermatological conditions have more potential for self-management than others. Research into teledermatology as a means of addressing patient concern and providing clinical information is important in order to reduce unnecessary consultations.
We share our experience as medical students who have recently completed quality improvement projects in primary care. We have found that quality improvement projects, such as audits, are mutually beneficial for clinicians who may need to conduct annual appraisals and students who benefit from the educational experience.
Introduction
We aim to elucidate female student interest in Surgery and factors that are deterring students from considering a surgical career. With this information, we can evaluate if there are changes that can be made within medical education.
Method
A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via LimeSurvey to medical students across 33 UK medical schools. Our survey assessed student interest in a surgical career, personal experience on clinical placements, and what attracts or dissuades students from a surgical career.
Results
211 student responses were collected. 57% of students indicated an interest in Surgery. 55% of female and 63% of male students expressed surgical interest. 65.7% of second-year students indicated surgical interest, compared to 54.3% of students in final year; a 17.35% decrease. When asked, 88% of students believe there is disproportionate female to male surgeons.
Conclusions
Although our survey revealed that there is a healthy interest in Surgery, the number of women considering Surgery continues to dwindle throughout training, leading to massive discrepancy. It is paramount that there are both male and female mentors for students to visualise that there are no limitations for women in the field of Surgery.
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