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Dermatology outpatient population profiling: Indigenous and non‐indigenous dermatoepidemiology
Author(s) -
Heyes Christopher,
Chan Jonathan,
Halbert Anne,
Clay Christopher,
Buettner Petra,
Gebauer Kurt
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00792.x
Subject(s) - indigenous , medicine , population , audit , public health , epidemiology , family medicine , medical record , outpatient clinic , retrospective cohort study , dermatology , pediatrics , surgery , environmental health , pathology , ecology , management , economics , biology
Background: Little is known about the population using Australian dermatology outpatient services, in particular, Indigenous patients. This information is important to direct the strategic planning of dermatology services. Methods: This study is a multicentre, retrospective audit of all patients attending public, outpatient dermatology clinics over 7 months across four Perth tertiary hospitals. The patient population (4873 patients) was profiled by age, gender, Indigenous status and rural/urban status. Medical records of the Indigenous patient population (104 patients) were reviewed to reveal the most common skin conditions. Results: The population using public, outpatient services had a median age of 48 years, 51.4% were male and 13.6% were from rural areas. Male patient median age was 50 years compared to 45 years for female patients ( P = 0.002). Indigenous patients had a median age of 22 years, a female to male ratio of 3:2 and 26.9% were from rural areas. Over 50% of Indigenous patient appointments were missed. Skin infections, eczematous conditions and naevi were the most common skin conditions in Indigenous patients. Conclusions: This data can guide strategies towards improving the provision of dermatology services for the Australian population. Particular attention is required towards improving Indigenous Australians' capacity to access dermatology services.