One in four dermatology nurses likely to be the only regular home visitor for patients, survey reveals

Almost one in four nurses reported that they were likely to be the only regular visitor for around half of the patients they see at home in a recent survey by the British Skin Foundation.

This was just one shocking statistic from a survey for dermatological nurses by the British Skin Foundation that covered a number of topics including the elderly, children, skin cancer and the psychological effects of skin disease.

Other key statistics include:

• 92% of nurses surveyed said that patients confide in them about both the psychological effects of their skin condition as well as the physical effects. But 43% believe their patients don’t additionally share this psychological information with their doctor or dermatologist.

• Three in four dermatological nurses surveyed think there are more skin problems in children today than 10 years ago.

“After surveying dermatologists on a regular basis, we thought it would be interesting to get some unique feedback on patients from the perspective of dermatological nurses,” explains Lisa Bickerstaffe, spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation. 

We shared the results with two dermatological nurses and here’s what they said.

This survey highlights the important role nurses can play in supporting patients with skin disease both with the physical and psychological impact of their conditions. As the survey shows nurses are ideally placed when they are doing dressing changes, applying treatments or performing skin surgery to provide information and support whether it's to ensure people have the knowledge and skills of use their skin treatments correctly or how to enjoy the sun safely.

Karen Stephen, Lead Dermatology Nurse at NHS Tayside

This survey reflects the burden of skin disease that nurses see and highlights the important role we have in the care of patients presenting with a skin problem. As the survey shows, skin conditions affect patients of all ages so caring for them requires competent and experienced dermatology nurses. As we move forward we need to ensure that we invest in nursing to guarantee nurses have the appropriate skills to support our patients and their families.

Sandra Lawton OBE, Dermatology Nurse Consultant at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Eczema sufferer and patient Amanda Roberts also added:

This survey is a timely reminder of the burden of skin conditions for so many people - young and old.  Dermatology nurses fulfil a unique and valuable role which brings much needed support for patients.  Commissioners could do well to note their insights and consider the implications for dermatology provision.

Further results

• Just over a fifth of nurses surveyed said that they spend around half of their time dressing wounds or addressing skin conditions.
• Four in five nurses surveyed said that in their experience, the elderly tended to ignore skin problems more often than younger generations.
• 48% of nurses surveyed believe that only around half of patients comply with their treatment or medical instructions for their skin condition.
• Every nurse surveyed said that they believe patients find it easier to talk to a nurse rather than a doctor.
• Just over a quarter of nurses surveyed  believe that the age group that responds best to sun safety & skin check advice is ages 31-40.