HOSPITAL DERMATOLOGY
Introduction
Inpatient dermatology is emerging as a distinct dermatology subspecialty where dermatologists specialize in caring for patients hospitalized with skin disease. While the main focus of inpatient dermatology is the delivery of top-quality and timely dermatologic care to patients in the hospital setting, the practice of hospital-based dermatology has many additional components that are critical to its success. Factors that must be optimized in one’s inpatient dermatology practice include integration of hospital consultations into one’s current dermatologic practice, interactions with both colleagues of other specialties and allied health professionals, and education and training of medical students, residents, and non-dermatologists. Furthermore, as there is often little available data in the form of randomized controlled trials that can guide dermatologists in the care of the rare conditions encountered in the hospital setting, it is incumbent upon those who do care for these patients to generate the academic work that provides such guidance.
Hospital Dermatology, Introduction
Inpatient dermatology is emerging as a distinct dermatology subspecialty where dermatologists specialize in caring for patients hospitalized with skin disease. While the main focus of inpatient dermatology is the delivery of top-quality and timely dermatologic care to patients in the hospital setting, the practice of hospital-based dermatology has many additional components that are critical to its success.
The logistics of an inpatient dermatology service
Among the more than 3,000 skin conditions that dermatologists manage, there are a number of severe, acute cutaneous diagnoses which either warrant hospitalization on their own or can arise in the inpatient setting and demand skilled inpatient dermatological consultation.
The efficient, effective community hospital inpatient dermatology consult
Inpatient hospital consult dermatology (inpatient dermatology), as considered by private practicing dermatologists, remains an often under-recognized, overlooked, and yet extremely important aspect of dermatology as a medical subspecialty.
Teledermatology in the inpatient setting
Use of TD in the inpatient setting is emerging as a potentially effective method of triage, assistance, or providing dermatologic consultative services.
The role of dermatopathology in inpatient care
Increasing downward financial pressure and decreasing hospital stay durations make the efficient practice of hospital dermatology and dermatopathology all the more important for patients.