Perception and image of dermatology in the German general population 2002-2014

TY - JOUR

T1 - Perception and image of dermatology in the German general population 2002-2014

AU - Augustin, M

AU - Eissing, L

AU - Elsner, P

AU - Strömer, K

AU - Schäfer, I

AU - Enk, A

AU - Reusch, M

AU - Kaufmann, R

N1 - Die Autorin Eissing war am IVDP beschäftigt. Bitte als interne Autorin für das IVDP werten.

PY - 2017/12

Y1 - 2017/12

N2 - BACKGROUND: In contrast to other European countries, dermatologists in Germany provide health care for a broad spectrum of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Current population-based data on the perception of dermatology were lacking to date.OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the perception of dermatology from the general population's perspective with regard to utilization, satisfaction and responsibility.METHODS: Nation-wide survey on awareness, utilization, rating and image of dermatology in October 2014 through computer-assisted telephone interviews on a representative sample of the adult general population (n = 1015), performed by the FORSA institute.RESULTS: Dermatologists as a medical specialist group are familiar to 88% of the population (2002: 65%), and approx. 82% of respondents underwent dermatological treatment in the past. Satisfaction with this treatment is high to very high in 80-90% of respondents. The majority (60-80%) name dermatologists as the desired primary provider of care for the largest share of common skin diseases. For allergic diseases, mucous membrane diseases, venous disorders and paediatric skin diseases, this rate is significantly below 50%.CONCLUSIONS: In Germany, dermatologists are perceived and valued as providers of care. In the case of skin cancer and chronic inflammatory skin diseases, they are experienced as primary care givers, whereas they are associated less frequently than their competence would justify with providing treatment for allergic and mucous membrane diseases and venous disorders. Further education of the general public and medical profession is required.

AB - BACKGROUND: In contrast to other European countries, dermatologists in Germany provide health care for a broad spectrum of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Current population-based data on the perception of dermatology were lacking to date.OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the perception of dermatology from the general population's perspective with regard to utilization, satisfaction and responsibility.METHODS: Nation-wide survey on awareness, utilization, rating and image of dermatology in October 2014 through computer-assisted telephone interviews on a representative sample of the adult general population (n = 1015), performed by the FORSA institute.RESULTS: Dermatologists as a medical specialist group are familiar to 88% of the population (2002: 65%), and approx. 82% of respondents underwent dermatological treatment in the past. Satisfaction with this treatment is high to very high in 80-90% of respondents. The majority (60-80%) name dermatologists as the desired primary provider of care for the largest share of common skin diseases. For allergic diseases, mucous membrane diseases, venous disorders and paediatric skin diseases, this rate is significantly below 50%.CONCLUSIONS: In Germany, dermatologists are perceived and valued as providers of care. In the case of skin cancer and chronic inflammatory skin diseases, they are experienced as primary care givers, whereas they are associated less frequently than their competence would justify with providing treatment for allergic and mucous membrane diseases and venous disorders. Further education of the general public and medical profession is required.

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.1111/jdv.14476

DO - 10.1111/jdv.14476

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 28707710

VL - 31

SP - 2124

EP - 2130

JO - J EUR ACAD DERMATOL

JF - J EUR ACAD DERMATOL

SN - 0926-9959

IS - 12

ER -