[A study of new patients at a dermatologic outpatient clinic]

Data on all new dermatology outpatients seen during the period 1 January to 30 June 1987 were analyzed in order to obtain information on the types of patients attending the clinic and on the skin diseases presented. We also recorded the source of referral, the frequency of the need for surgery, and patient compliance. There was a general predominance of female patients (60%), particularly in the 21-30 years age group. The leading diagnoses were atopic dermatitis (18%) and psoriasis (11%), and 2/3 of the atopic dermatitis patients were female. A skin biopsy was performed in 12% of the new patients and the clinical pre-biopsy diagnosis was correct in 72% of the cases. Surgery was necessary in 16% of all new patients. 54% of the patients required a follow-up appointment. 11% of these (108 patients) failed to appear. Patients with atopic dermatitis were the chief offenders in this latter group. The results of the study suggest that out-patient costs and waiting lists could be reduced by revising the indications for biopsy and follow-up appointments.