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Treatment practices amongst dermatologists in western India during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Bains A, Chouhan C, Bhardwaj A. Treatment practices amongst dermatologists in western India during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2022;88:251-7.
Sir,
India has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases after the United States of America. COVID-19 has affected the mode of consultation and prescription patterns in dermatology worldwide.1,2 The aim of the study was to study the prescription patterns and practices among dermatologists during COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was sent via email and WhatsApp groups to dermatologists working in Rajasthan between 28 September 2020 to 1 November 2020. A total of 76 participants responded after giving informed consent. Out of all the questions, there was no response to a few questions (range 1–3 questions), as shown in Tables 1-3. Majority of the dermatologists, 43 (56.6%) were working in educational institutes and government hospitals followed by private hospitals 20 (26.3%). Thirty-three (43.4%) of the total participants were attending more than 50 cases per day before COVID-19, while only 21 (27.6%) participants were attending more than 50 patients per day during the pandemic. In India, telemedicine is not a commonly used mode of consultation, however due to the pandemic 39 (51.3%) dermatologists were using a telemedicine platform along with physical consultations. Dermatologists did not find telemedicine as a good mode of consultation every time. Thirty-one (40.8%) dermatologists found telemedicine consultation good in terms of diagnosis only sometimes (34–66% of time) [Table 1]. Specific reason for this was not asked from the participants but it may be related to poor quality images, mode used, need for systemic evaluation and a need for whole body examination.
| S. No. | Questions in survey with options | Options | No. of responses (n) | Percentage of responses (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | If you are a private practitioner, have you opened your clinic since the PM’s lockdown announcement dated 23 March 2020? | a. I have opened the clinic for full time as before COVID-19 | 8 | 10.53 |
| b. I open the clinic for only few hours in comparison to pre COVID-19 | 22 | 28.95 | ||
| c. I have not opened the clinic till now | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| d. I open the clinic only if I feel somebody needs physical consultation or for an emergency | 6 | 7.89 | ||
| e. Not applicable | 36 | 47.37 | ||
| f. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 2. | Which type of consultation are you doing now? | a. Telemedicine consultation | 0 | 0 |
| b. Physical consultation | 26 | 34.21 | ||
| c. Both of the above | 39 | 51.31 | ||
| d. I am not doing any consultation | 10 | 13.16 | ||
| e. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 3. | What was the average no. of patients seen by you per day just before the COVID-19 pandemic started? |
a. 0–5 | 4 | 5.26 |
| b. 6–10 | 5 | 6.58 | ||
| c. 11–15 | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| d. 16–20 | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| e. 21–30 | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| f. 31–40 | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| g. 41–50 | 4 | 5.26 | ||
| h. >50 | 33 | 43.42 | ||
| i. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 4. | What is the average number of patients being seen by you per day currently during COVID-19? |
a. 0–5 | 9 | 11.84 |
| b. 6–10 | 6 | 7.89 | ||
| c. 11–15 | 10 | 13.16 | ||
| d. 16–20 | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| e. 21–30 | 4 | 5.26 | ||
| f. 31–40 | 7 | 9.21 | ||
| g. 41–50 | 9 | 11.84 | ||
| h. >50 | 21 | 27.63 | ||
| i. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| j. Not doing any consultation | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 5. | How has the average time being spent by you per consultation changed as compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic? |
a. Has increased now | 20 | 26.31 |
| b. Has remained the same | 25 | 32.89 | ||
| c. Has reduced | 25 | 32.89 | ||
| d. Not applicable as I not seeing any patients now | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| e. Not sure or difficult to say | 4 | 5.26 | ||
| f. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 6. | Most of the patients seen by you belong to | a. Only Aesthetics | 0 | 0 |
| b. Only Clinical dermatology routine cases | 21 | 27.63 | ||
| c. Both aesthetics and clinical dermatology cases with aesthetics more than clinical | 5 | 6.58 | ||
| d. Both aesthetics and clinical dermatology cases with clinical more than aesthetics | 45 | 59.21 | ||
| e. Only emergency cases | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| f. I am not seeing any patients. | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| g. Others | 0 | 0 | ||
| h. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 7. | What precautions are you taking while examining patients? | a. Wearing only mask and face shield | 46 | 60.53 |
| b. Wearing only mask | 27 | 35.53 | ||
| c. Examining patients in the same way as before COVID-19, that is, without any precautions | 0 | 0 | ||
| d. I am not doing any consultation | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| e. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 8. | Are you doing aesthetic procedures like peels, LASER, dermatosurgery procedures etc., during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Yes, I am doing in new as well as follow up cases with proper infection prevention precautions | 19 | 25 |
| b. I have completely stopped these procedures | 28 | 36.84 | ||
| c. Yes, I am doing for my follow-up cases only with proper infection prevention precautions | 13 | 15.12 | ||
| d. I was not doing these procedures earlier and even now | 10 | 13.16 | ||
| e. Others | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| f. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 9. | Are you using biologicals currently during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Yes, I am using biologics, depending on risk/benefit ratio | 15 | 19.74 |
| b. I have stopped using biologics currently | 23 | 30.26 | ||
| c. I have not used any biologics before as well as now | 36 | 47.37 | ||
| d. others | 0 | 0 | ||
| e. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 10. | Do you find telemedicine consultation good in terms of diagnoses? | a. Never (<1%) | 2 | 2.63 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 15 | 19.74 | ||
| c. Sometimes (34–66% of time) | 31 | 40.79 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 12 | 15.79 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 0 | 0 | ||
| f. I am not doing any telemedicine consultation | 14 | 18.42 | ||
| g. No response | 2 | 2.63 |
| S. No. | Question in survey | Options | No. of responses (n) | Percentage of responses (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Has COVID-19 affected your prescription pattern? | a. Strongly agree | 9 | 11.84 |
| b. Agree | 41 | 53.95 | ||
| c. Disagree | 22 | 28.95 | ||
| d. Strongly disagree | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| e. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 2. | Has the average number of drugs per prescription reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Never (<1%) | 16 | 21.05 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 29 | 38.16 | ||
| c. Sometimes (24–66% of time) | 26 | 34.21 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| f. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 3. | Are you using immunosuppressive drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Never (<1%) | 8 | 10.53 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 32 | 42.10 | ||
| c. Sometimes (24–66% of time) | 34 | 44.74 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 0 | 0 | ||
| f. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 4. | Should dermatologists be more cautious while prescribing immunosuppressives during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Strongly agree | 22 | 28.95 |
| b. Agree | 51 | 67.10 | ||
| c. Disagree | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| d. Strongly disagree | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| e. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 5. | Most of your prescription during COVID-19 pandemic is composed of? | a. Topical drugs only with oral antihistamines | 64 | 84.21 |
| b. Only topical drugs | 0 | 0 | ||
| c. Topical drugs, antihistamines and immunosuppressants | 11 | 14.47 | ||
| d. Others: Please specify | 0 | 0 | ||
| e. No response | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| 6. | If some of your follow up patients were already on immunosuppressants then, what strategy have you used for them | a. I have stopped their immunosuppressants. | 0 | 0 |
| b. I have stopped their immunosuppressants and have replaced with topical | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| c. I have stopped immunosuppressants and have changed to alternative drugs which do not cause immunosuppression or have less immunosuppression potential | 22 | 28.95 | ||
| d. I have reduced the dose of immunosuppressants to minimal to control the disease activity | 44 | 57.89 | ||
| e. Not applicable | 6 | 7.89 | ||
| f. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 7. | Most common indication for which you have started immunosuppressive drugs in a new patient during COVID-19 pandemic | a. Vitiligo | 2 | 2.63 |
| b. Pemphigus | 53 | 69.74 | ||
| c. Eczema | 11 | 14.47 | ||
| d. Lichen planus | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| e. Any other: please specify | 5 | 6.58 | ||
| f. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 8. | What will be your preference in treatment of severe oral steroid responsive dermatoses during COVID-19 pandemic | a. Oral steroids only | 5 | 6.58 |
| b. Oral steroids along with steroid sparing agents like Methotrexate, Azathioprine etc. | 40 | 52.63 | ||
| c. Oral steroids followed by drugs like apremilast, dapsone | 21 | 27.63 | ||
| d. Topical only | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| e. Any other | 0 | 0 | ||
| f. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 9. | What is the duration of oral steroid you are prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic currently as compared to before the pandemic started? | a. I am not prescribing oral steroids at all now | 2 | 2.63 |
| b. I am prescribing oral steroids for a lesser duration in comparison to before | 61 | 80.26 | ||
| c. I am using oral steroids for the same duration as before | 11 | 14.47 | ||
| d. Others: please specify | 0 | 0 | ||
| e. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 10. | Which dose of oral steroid do you prefer to prescribe during the current COVID-19 pandemic as compared to period before the pandemic | a. I am using same dose of oral steroid as before | 22 | 28.95 |
| b. I am using a lesser dose of oral steroid in comparison to before | 51 | 67.10 | ||
| c. I am not using any oral steroids during the COVID-19 pandemic | 1 | 1.31 | ||
| d. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 11. | Are you taking account of patient’s age and associated comorbidities before prescribing immunospressants during the COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Never (<1%) | 1 | 1.31 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| c. Sometimes (34–66% of time) | 6 | 7.89 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 18 | 23.68 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 44 | 57.89 | ||
| f. No response | 4 | 5.26 | ||
| 12. | Are you doing laboratory COVID-19 screening test before starting immunosuppressives? | a. I order COVID-19 screening test in every patient before starting immunosuppressives | 10 | 13.16 |
| b. I order COVID-19 screening test in only those who have symptoms or contact history with positive patient or travel history before starting immunosuppressants | 20 | 26.31 | ||
| c. I don’t order COVID-19 screening test before starting immunosuppressants | 25 | 32.89 | ||
| d. I want to order but I am unable to order because of hospital or government policies regarding COVID-19 testing | 10 | 13.16 | ||
| e. other | 8 | 10.53 | ||
| f. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 13. | Are you screening only on basis of clinical signs and respiratory symptoms, travel history and family history alone without lab testing before starting immunosuppressives? | a. Never (<1%) | 15 | 19.74 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 7 | 9.21 | ||
| c. Sometimes (34–66% of time) | 19 | 25 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 27 | 35.53 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 6 | 7.89 | ||
| f. No response | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| 14. | Are you giving precautionary advice to patients on immunosuppressive to follow physical distancing, hand hygiene and use of masks and to report immediately in case of respiratory symptoms | a. Never (<1%) | 1 | 1.31 |
| b. Rarely (1–33% of time) | 2 | 2.63 | ||
| c. Sometimes (34–66% of time) | 4 | 5.26 | ||
| d. Often (67–99% of time) | 15 | 19.74 | ||
| e. Always (100% of time) | 52 | 68.42 | ||
| f. No response | 2 | 2.63 |
| S. No. | Question in survey | Options | No. of responses (n) | Percentage of responses (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Please select the dermatological manifestation of COVID-19 which you are aware | a. Pseudo-frost bite like lesions | 6 | 7.89 |
| b. Urticarial rashes | 21 | 27.63 | ||
| c. Varicella like eruption | 0 | 0 | ||
| d. All the above | 46 | 60.53 | ||
| e. No response | 3 | 3.95 | ||
| 2. | Are you aware of any national or international guidelines for the use of immunosuppressives in dermatology during COVID-19 pandemic? | a. Yes, I have heard about such guidelines | 10 | 13.16 |
| b. Yes, I have heard and read these guidelines | 14 | 18.42 | ||
| c. No, I have not heard about such guidelines | 28 | 36.84 | ||
| d. Yes, I have heard, read and trying to practice those guidelines | 22 | 28.95 | ||
| e. No response | 2 | 2.63 |
COVID-19 can spread through asymptomatic individuals as well and therefore use of protective equipment is important. Forty-six (60.5%) dermatologists were using both mask and face shields, while 27 (35.5%) were using face mask alone during patient examination.
Majority i.e 50 (65.8%) dermatologists agreed that COVID-19 had affected their prescription pattern. Sixty-four (84.2%) dermatologists preferred to use only topical drugs along with oral antihistamines during the pandemic. Thirty-four (44.7%) dermatologists were using immunosuppressives sometimes (24–66% of time) and 73 (96.1%) agreed that we should be more cautious while prescribing these drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main indication to start immunosuppressives was pemphigus followed by eczemas. For the treatment of patients on long term immunosuppressants, 44 (57.9%) dermatologists have reduced the dose of immunosuppressants to minimal to control the disease activity, while 22 (29.0%) had stopped immunosuppressants and have switched to drugs with no or minimal immunosuppression potential such as dapsone and apremilast. Most of them were using oral steroids for lesser duration and lesser dose in comparison to pre-COVID times. Forty-four (57.9%) dermatologists were always (100% of time) taking account of patient’s age and associated comorbidities before prescribing immunosuppressants. Fifty-two (68.4%) dermatologists were giving precautionary advice to patients on immunosuppressive agents to follow preventive measures against COVID-19 [Table 2]. Fifteen (19.7%) dermatologists were using biologics depending on risk-benefit ratio and 23 (30.3%) have currently stopped using them altogether. Due to the pandemic, 41 (54.0%) dermatologists had either completely stopped doing aesthetic procedures or were doing these procedures only in follow-up cases.
Common skin manifestations of COVID-19 are pseudofrost bite like lesions, urticarial rashes and varicella like eruption.3 Forty-six (60.5%) dermatologists were aware of all these manifestations. Six (7.9%) and 21(27.6%) dermatologists were aware of only pseudofrost bite such as lesions and only urticarial rashes as the sole manifestation of COVID-19, respectively. Many dermatological associations have provided recommendations regarding judicious use of immunosupressants and biologics during the COVID pandemic.4,5 In the present study, 46 (60.5%) dermatologists were aware of guidelines or recommendations on the use of immunosuppresants [Table 3].
The COVID-19 pandemic has made a great impact on dermatology services all around the globe. Muddasani et al. found a reduction in dermatology practice in the United States especially in areas with a high COVID-19 prevalence.6 In India, even during the unlocking phase; there was still a reduction in the number of dermatology patients seen per day, as seen in the present survey.
Teledermatology is the first step toward social distancing. Virtual consultations have increased in comparison to face to face consultations in India.7 Due to the pandemic, about 51.3% dermatologists were using a telemedicine platform along with physical consultation, 34.2% were doing physical consultations only and no dermatologist was doing tele consultation alone. While in a global survey, 37.3% of dermatologists were using a combination of teledermatology and in-person consultations, 37.8% were doing tele-consultation only and 9.3% were doing physical consultations alone.8 The difference may be due to the resources and infrastructure available for teledermatology is still in developing stage in our country. In the present study, 31 (40.8 %) dermatologists found telemedicine consultation good in terms of diagnosis only sometimes (34–66% of time) while in a study by Temiz et al., teledermatology was found suitable in nearly 70% of the patients.9 Difference may be due to poor quality of image or mode of teledermatology used.
Around 60% dermatologists are using both mask and face shields, while 35.5% are using face mask alone during patient examination. We were unable to find this observation in the previous studies. These findings have not been studied previously to the best of our knowledge. Correct use of personal protective equipment along with hand hygiene is critical to prevent its transmission.
Immunosuppressive drugs can be continued in patients without COVID-19 infection who are already taking them at a low dose; however, the use of these drugs in new cases should be balanced between the risk and benefit ratio on case-to-case basis.4,5 Most dermatologists in the present study are now using a lesser dose and lesser duration of oral steroids in comparison to before COVID. For the treatment of patients on long-term immunosuppressants, 44 (57.9%) dermatologists have reduced the dose of immunosuppressants to minimal to control the disease activity while 22 (29.0%) had stopped immunosuppressants and have switched to drugs with no or minimal immunosuppression potential such as dapsone and apremilast. Similar findings were seen in another study where 42.2% dermatologists preferred to decrease the dose of immunosuppressants in a stable disease and 32.5% preferred smaller molecules like apremilast in disease activity.10
Aesthetic dermatology practices have reduced to a great extent. The risk of spreading infection is more while performing cosmetic treatments over the face area, as mask needs to be removed. Stringent disinfection, cost of full personal protective equipment has decreased the frequency of aesthetic procedures. Furthermore, many patients may not come for aesthetic procedures because of economic setback.11,12 Due to the pandemic, nearly half of practitioners have either completely stopped aesthetic procedures such as peels, LASER, dermatosurgery procedures or are doing these procedures only in follow-up cases. In a survey from various countries, only 7.4% of participants were doing cosmetic procedures.8
Forty-six (60.5%) dermatologists were aware of all three common skin manifestations of COVID-19, that is, pseudofrost bite like lesions, urticarial rashes and varicella like eruptions and guidelines or recommendations on the use of immunosuppresants respectively. This finding was not noted in the previous studies.
The study reflects how COVID-19 pandemic has affected the practices and prescription patterns among dermatologists in the western part of India. It also shows the level of awareness regarding COVID-related cutaneous manifestations and recommendations on use of immunosuppressants in this region. However, because of small sample size, the present study gives only a small snapshot and more studies with large sample size are required.
Limitation of the present study is small sample size, cross-sectional study design and recall bias. Information regarding years of experience and specific reasons for doing physical consultation were not included.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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