Survey of patch testing in Scotland

We have surveyed Scottish dermatologists to establish the extent of patch t esting, to assess the reasons for referral and to document resources and me thods used by dermatologists. 104 questionnaires were sent to members of th e Scottish Dermatological Society. 82 questionnaires (79%) were returned. 5 0% of respondents were consultants, 27% were trainees and 23% held staff gr ade or clinical assistant positions. The mean waiting time for a patch test appointment was 4.5 months. The most frequent reasons for patch testing we re localized eczema, eczema not responding to conventional treatment, occup ational eczema, history of contact sensitivity and eczema of uncertain caus e. 17 of 82 respondents (21%) were the principal clinicians supervising pat ch testing in their hospitals. II of 17 read reactions at 2 and 4 days. Mea n time spent on advising patients was 13 min per patients. 7 of 17 were dis satisfied with resources available for patient education and 16 of 17 felt they would benefit from a central source for patient information. Only 4 of 17 centres recorded patch test results on a database and 3 centres regular ly reviewed their patch test results. In conclusion, we have identified are as of patch testing that require further improvement.