Psoriasis consultation audit: a two-centre study

The adequacy of hospital note-keeping in 100 patients presenting with psoriasis at two teaching hospitals has been assessed. The criteria used were defined in consultation with a peer group of 60 British dermatologists. The pattern of record keeping was similar in both centres. Where differences existed between consultant (C) and non-consultant (J) staff, non-consultant staff completed the records more fully. There were differences between centres in the recording of patients' symptoms and disability, psoriasis type, and in the number of visits before discharge to general practitioners care. Both centres had a poor record of communication to general practitioners following patient default from the clinic. In both centres, the patient had only a one in 8 chance of subsequently being seen by a consultant if at the first visit they had been seen by a non-consultant. This simple case-note audit has highlighted the similarity of practice in the two centres and has resulted in practical improvements in record keeping.