How has the pandemic affected dermatologists?

54 dermatologists from across Canada shared their insights on how the pandemic has affected their practice:

Here are a few highlights of what Canadian dermatologists in the KeyOps network had to say:
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During the pandemic, dermatologists are seeing a greater percentage of skin conditions that are worsened by stress. i.e. atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and hair loss.
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85% of dermatologists surveyed saw a reduction in patient volumes during the pandemic. 40% of these physicians experienced reductions in patient volumes of 20% or more.
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Low quality virtual care is one of the biggest challenges experienced by dermatologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members highlighted issues including poor remuneration and its effect on clinical efficiency (virtual visits are taking longer than in-person visits)
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Skin cancers are being detected at a more advanced stage, with larger tumor sizes due to delayed diagnosis from patient hesitancy to be seen during the pandemic.

Below is a detailed summary of responses to individual questions as well as anonymous comments from the KeyOps dermatology community.

Thank you for your valuable insights!

Are there particular dermatologic conditions that affect patients more during the pandemic vs prior to the pandemic?

Community members also highlighted that due to patient hesitancy to see their dermatologist, more patients are being detected with advanced skin cancers.

How has the pandemic affected patient volumes in your practice?

Greater than 85% of dermatologists surveyed have experienced a reduction in patient volumes during the pandemic. Nearly 40% of dermatologists reported a drop in patient volumes of 20% or more

What percentage of your patients are being seen virtually during the pandemic?

What is the biggest challenge in your practice during the pandemic?

Low quality virtual care was the biggest challenge faced by dermatologists during the pandemic.

If you were granted one wish that would significantly improve your practice during the pandemic, what would it be?

Most dermatologists(18%) state that better quality virtual care would significantly improve their practice, followed by increased remuneration and PPE.

When do you foresee your practice will be back to where it was before the pandemic?

A majority of dermatologists expect their practices will return to where it was before the pandemic within 1-2 years.

Respondent profile

40%

Male respondents

60%

Female respondents

People are leaving skin cancers longer and thus are coming in larger and more advanced. Acne and other inflammatory conditions in the mask area are being exacerbated by masks. Conditions that flare with stress such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are flaring as well

Anonymous

Vaccination status of patients should be available to doctors

Anonymous

One of the biggest challenges during the pandemic has been less income with rising expenses

Anonymous

Virtual visits take way longer than in-person visits

Anonymous