Skin diseases in a primary, secondary, and tertiary setting in Trinidad and Tobago, with an evaluation of service provision

TL;DR

This study examines skin diseases in Trinidad and Tobago across different healthcare levels, highlighting differences in patient demographics and service use.

Contribution

The study provides insights into skin disease patterns and healthcare service differences in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings in Trinidad and Tobago.

Findings

Hospital clinics see a broader range of skin diseases compared to primary care facilities.

Paediatric skin conditions differ between primary care and hospital clinics.

Hospital clinics have longer waiting times and higher use of pathology services.

Abstract

Skin diseases in Trinidad and Tobago, demonstating differences in Hospital vs Primary Care Dermatology Clinics, paediatric age groups and use of laboratory services. This figure illustrates, (a) combined percentage in range of skin diseases from all sites, n = 1309. Other diseases included CTD (connective tissue disease), papular urticaria, prurigo, rosacea and pityriasis rosea. (b) Paediatric dermatology conditions seen in one PCHF (primary care health facility) versus hospital clinics. (c) Comparison of waiting times, source of referrals and use of pathology in all PCHF versus hospital clinics.

Figures