One in four nurses may be the only regular visitor to the house for dermatology patients, the survey shows

One in four nurses may be the only regular visitor to the house for dermatology patients, the survey shows -

Nearly one in four nurses reported they were likely to be the only regular visitor to about half of the patients they see at home in a recent survey by the British skin Foundation.

This was just a shocking statistic investigation for dermatological nurses by the British Skin Foundation which covered a number of topics including. the elderly, children, skin cancer and psychological effects of skin disease

other key statistics include:

• 92% of nurses surveyed said that patients confide in them both psychological effects of their skin condition, and physical effects. But 43% think that their patients do not share more psychological this information with their doctor or dermatologist.

• Three out of four respondents dermatological nurses feel that there are more skin problems in children of 10 years ago today.

"After examining dermatologists on a regular basis, we thought it would be interesting to obtain unique comments on patients from the perspective of dermatological nurses," says Lisa Bickerstaffe, spokesman for the British Skin Foundation.

We shared the results with two dermatological nurses and here's what they said.

This survey highlights the important nurses can play in supporting patients with skin disease with both physical and psychological impact of their conditions. As the survey shows nurses are ideally placed when they do dressing changes, the application of treatments or perform skin surgery to provide information and support whatsoever to ensure that people have the knowledge and the skills to use their skin treatments correctly or how to safely enjoy the sun.

Karen Stephen, nurse lead dermatology at NHS Tayside

This survey reflects the burden of skin diseases that nurses see and places underscores the important role we have in the management of patients with skin problem. As the survey shows, the skin conditions affect patients of all ages to heal requires competent and experienced dermatology nurses. As we move forward, we must ensure that we invest in nursing to ensure nurses have the appropriate skills to support our patients and their families.

Sandra Lawton OBE, Dermatology Nurse Consultant at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

eczema patient and the patient Amanda Roberts also added

This survey is a timely reminder of the burden of skin diseases for so many people - young and old. Dermatology Nurses play a unique and valuable role that brings much needed support to patients. The commissioners could do well to note their ideas and consider the implications for provision of dermatology.

Other results

• Just over a fifth of nurses surveyed said they spend nearly half of their time dressing wounds or treat skin conditions.
• Four out of five nurses surveyed said that in their experience, older people tended to ignore skin problems more often than younger generations.
• 48% of nurses surveyed believe that only about half of patients comply with their treatment or medical instructions for their skin condition.
• Each nurse respondents said they believe that patients find it easier to talk to a nurse rather than a doctor.
• a little over a quarter of nurses surveyed believe that the age group that best meets the safety of sun and checking skin tips is 31-40 years.