Evaluating paediatric dermatology telephone clinics during COVID-19 from a dual clinician and patient perspective: a prospective study

Access to pediatric dermatology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To identify factors that impact accessibility to pediatric dermatology and review healthcare delivery models that improve access and address these barriers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Up to one-third of pediatric primary care visits include a skin-related problem, yet pediatric dermatology subspecialist services are highly inaccessible. Workforce shortages and geographic, sociocultural, and economic barriers perpetuate inaccessibility. Teledermatology expands care, particularly to underserved or geographically remote communities, and reduces healthcare-related costs. Federal legislation to support telehealth services with adequate reimbursement for providers with parity between live, video, and phone visits will dictate the continued feasibility of virtual visits. Innovative care delivery models, such as language-based clinics, multidisciplinary teleconferencing, or embedded dermatology services within primary care are other promising alternatives.

SUMMARY

Despite efforts to expand access, dermatology still ranks among the most underserved pediatric subspecialties. Improving access requires a multipronged approach. Efforts to expand exposure and mentorship within pediatric dermatology, diversify the workforce and clinical curriculum, recruit and retain clinicians in geographically underserved areas, and collaborate with policymakers to ensure adequate reimbursement for teledermatology services are necessary.