The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic in dermatology outpatient clinics in Turkey: A survey study

Abstract

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has substantially affected the healthcare systems around the world. It has also induced some changes in working habits at dermatology clinics. The majority of dermatology clinics limited the number of patients at outpatient clinics and postponed the elective procedures. Aims and Objectives To evaluate the working conditions and habits of dermatologists in Turkey during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods This is a survey study with seventeen questions in which two hundred fifteen dermatologists working in Turkey participated. Results Our results revealed that 53.5% of the participants worked in the areas related to COVID‐19 during the pandemic. The average number of dermatology outpatient days in a week was five among the 48.8% of dermatologists, 21.4% of those had three working days, and 18.1% of those had four days. During the pandemic, the most common reasons for referral to outpatient clinics were acne and acneiform eruptions (88.8%), dermatitis (73.5%), and hair loss (71.2%). Participants hesitated to use the following treatments: long‐term systemic steroid (77.7%), cyclosporine (69.8%), and methotrexate (60%). Conclusion It is observed that the COVID‐19 pandemic had affected the working habits and conditions of the dermatologists, which might be considered for the designing of new working approaches.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tertiarycare University Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and Dermatology Procedures

“…However, the relocations of dermatologists created staff shortfalls in dermatology OPDs. 9,19 For a limited period, Thailand's COVID-19 prevention policies also placed severe restrictions on the conduct of cosmetic procedures throughout many areas of Thailand, including Bangkok, where our hospital is situated.…”

Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic in dermatology outpatient clinics

“…To the editor, We would like to share ideas and experience on the publication "The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Dermatology Outpatient Clinics in Turkey: A Survey Study. 1 " Ustaoglu concluded that "It is observed that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the working habits and conditions of the dermatologists, which might be considered for the designing of new working approaches. 1…”

“…1 " Ustaoglu concluded that "It is observed that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the working habits and conditions of the dermatologists, which might be considered for the designing of new working approaches. 1…”

Changing spectrum of hair and scalp disorders over the last decade in a tertiary medical centre

“…The spectrum and prevalence of HSRDs vary depending on age, ethnicity and geographic region 9–19 . HSRD visits are influenced by the emergence of new diseases, novel therapies, changes in the healthcare system, public education campaigns and an aging population 20–28 . There is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of HSRD visits in the outpatient dermatological care setting.…”

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] HSRD visits are influenced by the emergence of new diseases, novel therapies, changes in the healthcare system, public education campaigns and an aging population. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] There is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of HSRD visits in the outpatient dermatological care setting. Studies assessing temporal trends in dermatological visits infrequently included HSRDs.…”