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This article -- the second in their series -- looks at remote consultations, providing a summary of what they are in relation to patients with skin conditions and detailing the guidance that has been developed by the Dermatology National Outpatients Transformation Programme, which it is hoped will lead to more personalised care in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the third article in a short series looking at how proposals put forward in the NHS Long Term Plan will affect patients. This article looks at referral optimisation, and the work of the National Outpatient Transformation Programme to support implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2006, a study reported that skin conditions were the commonest reason that patients presented with a new problem to their GP in England and Wales.1,2 Objectives: To describe the trends in episode incidence, prevalence, and consultation rates for patients with skin conditions in primary care in England over the 10-year period 2006 to 2016. Methods: Routinely collected data from patients in England registered at general practices who are members of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC). Repeated cross-sectional data for 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016 is reported. Results: Skin conditions remain the commonest reason that patients are seen in primary care in England with a new problem. The episode incidence of skin conditions has risen but consultation rates have not, suggesting more patients are presenting with episodes of skin disease but not returning for review. Skin infections remain the commonest skin condition presenting. There have been increases in the prevalence, episode incidence and consultation rates for skin lesions and 'symptoms involving the skin'. There has been a large increase in the episode incidence of young women presenting with acne. Conclusions: Skin conditions remain the commonest reason that people present to their general practice with a new problem. There has been an increase in episode incidence of skin conditions but not consultation rates, particularly for acne. The increase seen in 'symptoms involving the skin' suggests that our current educational approach leaves many patients with skin conditions without any specific diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NHS Long Term Plan is a commitment to redesign services by putting the patient firmly in the centre of their care. This article - the first in a short series - focuses on the development of a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) for people with skin conditions, which it is hoped will formalise the process of re-accessing care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staff at the University of Hertfordshire have adapted their teaching methods in light of the COVID-19 crisis. This article considers how things have changed over the last few months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on her career as a dermatologist and receiving the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award. She relates her career decision to shift general practice to dermatology, as well as some of the advantages associated with being a part-time trainee in dermatology. Information on the author's views on developing general practitioners with special interests (GPwSIs) is provided. She highlights her efforts to pursue the right person, right place, right time concept in dermatology.