The Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Practice: A Nationwide Survey of Dermatologists and Healthcare Providers

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed medical practice worldwide. It posed a significant impact on different health services, including dermatology.

Methods

A Cross-sectional observational study of 200 healthcare providers and 100 dermatologists (survey 1 and 2, respectively) were conducted.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of occupational skin diseases among healthcare providers working amid the pandemic, and to demonstrate the outbreak’s impact on dermatology practice.

Results

Most healthcare providers (83%) reported hygiene-related hand dermatitis. The rates of PPE-related dermatoses were estimated to be 73%, including pressure injuries (51.9%), acne (33.1%), non-gloves contact dermatitis (29.9%), nonspecific rash (17.5%), urticaria (9.1%) and skin infections (3.2%). The emerging COVID-19-related cutaneous manifestations were recognized by 20% of surveyed dermatologists, including maculopapular rash (41.67%), urticaria (37.50%), chilblain (25%) and vasculitis (16.67). Telemedicine was provided by 73% of the dermatologists, and 89% reported minimal use of immunosuppressive drugs amid the pandemic.

Conclusions

This article highlights the emergence of hygiene-related hand dermatitis and PPE-related dermatoses among healthcare providers working in the COVID-19 era. It also provides an appreciation of the major impact of COVID-19 on different aspects of dermatology practice in Iraq, and how the dermatologists adapt to these unfamiliar circumstances to meet the challenges.

Highlights

• COVID-19 is associated with an ongoing emergence of occupational skin disease among healthcare providers

• COVID-19 posed a significant impact on medical practice, including the epidemiology of diseases, the use of telemedicine, and modification of management plans

• Dermatologists play a crucial role in recognizing the cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection.