Pediatric Dermatology: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Up to 30% percent of pediatric primary care visits include a skin-related problem, and referrals are hampered by appointment wait times among the longest of any pediatric subspecialty. Despite the clear demand for pediatric dermatologists, there has been a long-standing shortage of providers, leaving dermatology as one of the most underserved pediatric subspecialties. Another consequence of the workforce shortage is the limited opportunity for pediatric dermatology training for residents and postgraduate general pediatricians and dermatologists. This review includes the evolution of the subspecialty from conception through the present, along with obstacles to workforce expansion and potential solutions to improve access to care for children with skin diseases.

Wait times, health care touchpoints, and nonattendance in an academic pediatric dermatology clinic

“…That the mean wait time at this practice was nine days longer than the national average may be related to practice affiliation with an urban tertiary care pediatric center and increased demand . This may also account for why the nonattendance rate of 28 percent noted here was greater than that noted in previous studies of 15‐25 percent .…”

“…Primary care providers manage many common cutaneous complaints without subspecialty consultation, but a recent survey of pediatricians found over 80% reported difficulty connecting patients with needed dermatologic care when required . Furthermore, the average routine wait time between referral and appointment is 92 days, representing one of the longest wait times of any pediatric subspecialty …”

Dermatology-related outpatient visits by children: Implications for workforce and pediatric education

“…Because of workforce shortages, pediatric dermatology is an underserved subspecialty, with the third highest referral rate, but some of the longest wait times. 3 Dermatology is also among the top-3 subspecialties to provide routine follow-up care to pediatric patients. 4 After a diagnosis and treatment plan are established, returning care to primary care providers for common conditions could make more appointments available to patients with urgent and complex conditions.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] We sought to identify common outpatient pediatric dermatology diagnoses to identify high-yield educational topics.…”

Commentary on “Wait times, health care touchpoints, and nonattendance in an academic pediatric dermatology clinic”

“…I read with great interest the article by Stevens et al, which evaluated wait times for pediatric dermatology appointments and factors contributing to missed appointments. The workforce shortage of pediatric dermatologists in the United States has been well‐described, and as a result, wait times are among the longest of any pediatric subspecialty . This shortage directly impacts patients’ well‐being.…”