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Dermatologist and electrologist perspectives on laser procedures by nonphysicians
R F Wagner1, T Brown, E M McCarthy
1Department of Dermatology and Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0783, USA.
Background:
As hair removal technology continues to evolve and new equipment comes to market, conflicts may develop between dermatologists and electrologists regarding the professional control and use of these devices.
Methods:
A total of 1004 Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology and 719 electrologists from the southern United States were anonymously surveyed about clinical laser procedures (CLPs).
Results:
Compared to electrologists, dermatologists were more likely to support clinical laser regulations that placed licensed physicians in control (P =.001) and preferred that a delegating physician be physically present on the premises when CLPs were performed (P =.001). If a laser device was invented for permanent hair removal that was identical to traditional needle/probe electrolysis in every respect except energy type ("laser fiberoptic probe," LFP), electrologists were more likely than dermatologists to support independent use of this device by electrologists (P =.001). A greater percentage of electrologists from Texas, a state without electrolysis licensing, were more likely to support the unlicensed use of the LFP and CLPs than electrologists from states requiring electrolysis licensing.
Conclusions:
These data are consistent with previously published literature and permit a greater understanding of the multiple attitudinal, regulatory, and ethical issues involved when considering delegated and independent CLPs by electrologists.