Dermatology Practice Post-COVID 19 Quarantine: PDS Recommendations

Who would have thought that even if our satellites have captured the solar system, an unseen enemy, visualised only by a microscope, would be an ubiquitous, menacing force which maneuvered life on Earth to a standstill.

Such is the SARS-CoV-2, a microbe which descended on humanity and caused a catastrophic depredation on human life. As we slowly rise like a phoenix from the ashes of this pandemic, this compilation of guidelines is the humble contribution of the Philippine Dermatological Society dedicated to our members as we all start to regain our precious losses.

Recommendations

Teledermatology

The utilization of telemedicine and imaging to deliver remote dermatological services to patients at a distance.

Clinic Preparedness

Clinic operation resumption should be done in stages. Educate your staff. Limit points of entry for all patients, regardless of symptoms.

Consultation

Consider re-opening your clinic to see both urgent and elective cases if the community COVID-19 assessment risk in your area is low.

Procedures

Defer all elective dermatologic procedures and surgeries until there is a sustained reduction in the prevalence rate of new COVID 19 cases.

Children

Telemedicine and other non-direct care have been recommended as initial approaches, when appropriate.

Appendices

Appendices published in the paper can be found here. If you want to download the document, click on it and choose “Save as..”

Infographics

Infographics found in the recommendation paper, in the CDC and WHO websites, as well as those made by UP-PGH Dermatologists may be accessed and downloaded here.