Quality Standards for Dermatology
A document named Quality Standards for Dermatology has been published that has been worked on by a team of representatives from all the stakeholders in dermatology.
These standards form the foundations of a good dermatology service for everyone with a skin condition. What will now be worked on are specific standards about different treatments and care that give specifics about what should be a part of a good service – these will hopefully include standards that relate to everyone with a skin condition eg: psychosocial care, teledermatology, clinical education, outcome & experience audits etc. and standards on specific treatments/care eg: emollients, skin surgery, phototherapy etc.
These standards will only be successful if we ensure they are used to best effect. For patients, clinicians and commissioners alike they will provide a clear outline of what should be expected – providing patients and clinicians with clear guidelines for best possible treatment and care and commissioners with the guidance to ensure best possible NHS services are designed, provided and monitored effectively.
Please note these standards are explicit about the need for proper patient involvement in all aspects of services from development and commissioning through to governance and monitoring – we must all encourage patients to actively participate where they can.
Thank You to all those that worked so hard to get these initial standards done and very best wishes for the creation of even more!