Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology practices: Results of a web-based, global survey

Abstract

The spectrum and magnitude of changes in dermatology practice induced by the COVID-19 pandemic have not been adequately studied. Objective: This study aimed to assess the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic on dermatology practice on a large scale, including the clinical activity of participants, frequency and types of procedures used, and teledermatology (TD) use. Methods: This web-based, global survey included 733 dermatologists. The primary outcomes are percentages of respondents providing in-person consultations, hospital service, and TD and performing procedures. Factors in logistic regression models that may influence the odds ratio (OR) for TD use during pandemic and for future use also were analyzed. Results: The percentages of respondents providing in-person consultations (46.6% vs. 100% before the pandemic) and hospital service (27% vs. 52.8% before the pandemic) as well as performing procedures (25.6% vs. 100% before the pandemic) decreased, whereas practicing TD increased three-fold (75.2% vs. 26.1% before the pandemic) during the pandemic (p 1000 COVID-19 cases in the country (OR: 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.33–6.21). Conclusion: This survey indicates a profound immediate effect of the pandemic on dermatology practice. The pandemic appears to have substantially contributed to an increased use of TD in the long run.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Dermatology
• Practice
• Procedures
• Teledermatology
• Hospital service