by Allison Sit
Healio wrote about a recent Journal of Drugs in Dermatology study on telehealth usage from a physician’s perspective. The study, “Telemedicine Versus Teledermatology Usage and Perception Among US-Based Physicians: A Survey Study,” was a national survey of physicians conducted by researchers representing dermatology and a variety of medical specialties. Researchers found more experienced physicians with 21-30 years of independent practice were significantly more likely to want an in-person visit at some point during a patient’s care, and current residents were significantly more likely to believe telemedicine alone was acceptable patient care. Compared with physicians from other specialties, dermatologists were significantly more likely to rate limitations to physical exams as telemedicine’s largest barrier. Since this study suggests younger physicians may be more likely to use and prefer telemedicine, the authors wrote that this could have an impact on the future of medical practice.
Healio also wrote about a recent JDD study analyzing YouTube videos on topical steroid withdrawal. The study, “Evaluating Quality and Reliability of Most-Viewed YouTube Videos on Topical Steroid Withdrawal,” was conducted by researchers from GW University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. The authors found the top 10 most viewed YouTube videos on topical steroid withdrawal had an overall low reliability and quality. Of the videos analyzed, patient testimonials had the poorest quality and reliability. The authors wrote that the information presented in the videos could influence patient knowledge and behavior, including potentially contributing to a fear of topical corticosteroids. The authors ask dermatologists to provide patients with alternate resources that are evidence-based, both in clinical practice and online, including YouTube.
Another Healio article about a JDD study addressed seasonal hyperpigmentation in acne patients treated with doxycycline. The study, “Seasonal Patterns in Tetracycline-Associated Hyperpigmentation Among Patients With Acne Vulgaris,” reviewed acne patients seen at Massachusetts General Brigham and Women’s Hospital between 1992 and 2022. Researchers calculated the incidence of new hyperpigmentation diagnoses for each drug cohort and also analyzed Google search volume of hyperpigmentation-related terms. They found seasonal differences in new hyperpigmentation diagnoses among acne patients who were prescribed doxycycline with a peak incidence in April, while diagnoses peaked in May in the control group. Patients prescribed minocycline showed no significant seasonal differences. Search volume increased for hyperpigmentation-related terms in spring and summer compared to fall and winter. The authors wrote that the findings highlight the importance of counseling acne patients on photoprotection, and that there is a potential benefit of considering minocycline or other doxycycline alternatives.
And finally, Healio covered a JDD study on career advancement barriers. The study, “Perceived Barriers to Career Advancement: Medical Students and Resident Physicians,” surveyed more than 400 medical trainees and found the lack of an opportunity to obtain Alpha Omega Alpha membership as the most crucial perceived barrier. Additional perceived barriers that were commonly noted were USMLE Step 1 score and the lack of a home program in the specialty or fellowship of interest. Of survey participants, medical residents implicated the lack of a home program in the specialty or fellowship of interest as the most prominent barrier. Authors noted that the pandemic, when away rotations were limited and conferences were held virtually, may have especially challenged medical trainees who lacked a home program. Potential solutions include identifying local programs to serve as proxy home programs and increasing transparency regarding selection factors.
