Patient factors associated with dermatology outpatient non-attendance: An analysis of racial and ethnic diversity.

Non-attendance to dermatology outpatient appointments is a risk factor for poorer patient outcomes. The culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia have been identified as at risk of poorer health outcomes, but there is a paucity of data assessing patient factors that may increase outpatient non-attendance. To investigate this, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of dermatology appointments from patients attending a tertiary, referral public hospital located in one of Australia's most racially and ethnically diverse communities. Patients within the 18-45 years age bracket were 61% more likely not to attend when compared with older age groups. Those born in Oceania, Middle East Asia, and surprisingly Australia were more likely to miss an appointment, whilst those born in East and Southeast Asia were more likely to attend. Those who spoke Arabic at home were more likely not to attend, whilst those who spoke Vietnamese at home were more likely to attend. This study sheds further light on health disparities in non-attendance and emphasizes the importance of not collectively amalgamating all groups of the CALD community.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients' Perception of Surgical Wound and Scar Healing.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence to suggest patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) have more postoperative wound complications than the general population. Despite this, the authors have noted reluctance among some surgeons to operate on these patients. OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was designed to investigate postoperative wound and scar healing outcomes in patients with EB. METHODS: Patients were asked to complete the "Surgical Wound and Scar Healing in EB" questionnaire, and data gathered were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-six patients completed the questionnaire for a total of 94 different surgical procedures. Five patients reported blistering at the surgical wound site. All 5 had generalized forms of EB. Four patients reported wound infections, and 1 patient reported wound dehiscence. The postoperative scar healed with keloid or hypertrophic scarring after 26% of the reported surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Blistering at the postoperative site seems to be uncommon and particularly unlikely to occur in localized forms of EB. Postoperative wound infections and dehiscence are uncommon. Patients with EB may have a propensity to develop keloid or hypertrophic scarring. With these data, the authors hope clinicians have greater confidence in referring patients with EB for surgery, and surgeons more reassured about postoperative wound healing.

Severe cutaneous eruptions following the topical use of preparations containing bufexamac: Is it time to reconsider its registration in Australia?

Despite being a well-recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis with an embargo in many countries around the world, bufexamac is available over the counter in topical preparations in Australia. We present a series of patients who developed severe cutaneous eruptions after the topical application of bufexamac containing preparations to highlight the potential risks of this medication, as well as advocate for the reconsideration of its registration by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia.

Results of a nurse-led intervention: connecting pediatric cancer patients from the hospital to the school using videoconferencing technologies.

The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility and perceived academic/psychosocial outcomes of a pilot program using videoconferencing facilities to connect children with cancer to their home school. Eight parents, three patients, and five teachers (n = 16) participated in semistructured interviews evaluating the efficacy/feasibility of this program. Results were analyzed using the qualitative framework of Miles and Huberman. Parents reported that videoconferencing provided the family with a sense of normalcy and connection to the outside world (4/8), often boosting patients' mood (6/8). Further benefits included stronger relationships with classmates and teachers (15/16) and improved peer acceptance and school reintegration. There were no notable impacts on patients' academic progression. Reported barriers included: costs, time commitments, bureaucratic hurdles, and technical and logistical difficulties. Videoconferencing technologies provide an important tool to connect childhood cancer patients to their classrooms; however, further solution-based investigation is warranted to overcome existing barriers.