SEARCH THIS WEBSITE
Briefings of this type, along with the related research papers are of value to dermatologists and their patients.
In this case, a video is shown on the possible side effects of oral alitretinoin. A drug which can be used for treating chronic hand eczema.
Knowing this is safe will help and there are many more examples of shared research in the same place. A video archive belonging to the British Journal of Dermatology, published by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).
Around 300 videos are available, along with thousands of research papers, reviews and editorials which the Journal has offered. They are held at the Wiley Online Library, together with wider ranging research.
A key point to note is that the video we mentioned is from France, others originate from Finland, Holland, the US, China, Taiwan. Dermatological research is openly shared, with the majority reviewed and online at UK facilities.
A Critical UK Resource
Having up to date information available at all levels matters and the BAD are a notable resource. They also offer treatment guidelines, sponsor clinical trials, help to educate dermatology staff and provide a public information hub.
Neither are they alone in the UK, in funding, or carrying out research. The National Institute for Health and Care Research brings together input from public bodies and educational institutes, our leading universities run programs of their own.
The British Skin Foundation raise funds for research into all types of skin diseases, the British Society for Paediatric Dermatology have a research focus, the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology produce respected, non-commercial studies.
Our hospitals are actively involved, the UK based Cochrane Group are global leaders in reviewing and publishing evidence. We are fortunate in having a strong dermatological research base, although global input remains valuable.
An International Discipline
There will be individual UK bodies we have not mentioned which carry out sound research but there are a greater number across our planet. The origin of many papers at UK document centres testifies to this.
UK dermatologists are helped by information from many sources, the US based JAMA network, or DermNet based in New Zealand amongst them. As much as we are proud of our base, the global sharing of information matters more.
Programs our universities and foundations participate in may themselves be international. Skills and knowledge are shared alongside information, to take diagnosis and treatment forward for everyone.
The Outcome For Patients
Dermatology may not seem quite as alluring as heart, or brain surgery but impacts far more of us. Two thirds of people will have a notable skin condition in their lifetime, the volume of visits to GPs for skin issues exceeds any other.
With so many patients involved, evidence based medicine and awareness of developments are vital. The digital age offers this, through methods of communication and storage we would not have dreamt of in years past.
Our medical dermatology clinic is up to date because of the efforts of others, alongside our own. The US scientist Carl Sagan said “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” and we would not want our patients to miss this, or any detail which helps them.