Helbling I, Muston H L, Ferguson J E, McKenna M
The Dermatology Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Sep;27(6):519-22. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01073.x.
We present the results of a prospective questionnaire-based audit of admissions to dermatology beds. We examined the admission practices of clinicians and the outcome in terms of benefit to patients. The majority of patients (90%) were admitted because of the severity of their skin disease but other contributing factors included: inability to cope (40%); need for further investigation or observation (33%); coexisting medical factors (17%); poor social support; transport and psychological factors. Most (87%) patients benefited from admission and the dermatology life quality index improved by 42%. We demonstrate that inpatient treatment is effective and improves patients' quality of life.
