A dermatology outpatient waiting list initiative

Skin disease is the most common reason for people to present to their general practitioner (GP) with a new episode of disease. In April 2010 there were estimated 23,000 patients on dermatology outpatient waiting lists in Ireland, including almost 11,000 patients waiting over 6 months. We analysed the data of 200 dermatology outpatient visits scheduled under an initiative to target patients waiting more than 120 days for a new dermatology outpatient appointment. There were 171 (85.5%) patients seen, 29 (14.5%) patients did not attend the appointment. The data from 161 patients seen under the initiative was included in the analysis. Skin lesions accounted for 81 (50%) referrals, of these 71 (44%) patients had benign skin lesions and 10 (6%) patients were considered to have suspicious skin lesions. There was no case of malignant melanoma. After the initial consultation, 66% (106) of the patients were discharged to their primary care physician.