Abstract
Background A 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.
Aim The purpose of the audit was to identify the proportion of consultations that are dermatological in nature and analyse potential for self-management by patients.
Method Data 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.
Results There 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.
Conclusion Certain 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.
