Skin and Associated Rheumatic Conditions

Skin Conditions Campaign Scotland shares their perspective about the Cross party Group meeting in February 2015. 

When it comes to living with a skin condition, there is no doubt each person’s story is different though shared and common themes emerged at the meeting on February 4th of the new Cross Party Group on Skin and Associated Rheumatic Conditions (CPG SARC) as people living with a skin condition spoke about the physical and emotional impact it has on their lives.

At any time in Scotland, 500,000 people are affected by a skin condition so it is vital that if they choose to seek medical advice, they get the support they need right from the first consultation. However, dermatology is no longer compulsory for trainee GPs in spite of it being estimated that up to 25% of GP time is taken up with skin related issues. Speakers told the meeting they want to make informed decisions and be involved in their health care planning and this requires improved education at the first port of call within the GP practice. We heard about inequality in access to dermatology services and the variations in what may be available as well as the importance of improving links and communication between GPs and specialists. Similar concerns are frequently mirrored when we read stories people share on sites such as Patient Opinion Scotland.

Improving general awareness about skin conditions was another shared theme as we heard of the impact of comments from strangers or people withdrawing when they see a skin condition. Continuing investment in research was a further common theme. With a plethora of options to find out information, we heard how people want to better navigate these to support them to gain knowledge and support their self management.

Speakers stressed the importance of networks to share experience as well as the importance of peer support from others with similar lived experience and it was good to hear the role the third sector plays in offering support and connecting people. Also, the vital role feed back sites, such as Patient Opinion Scotland, have in enabling people to tell their stories of both positive and negative aspects of their treatment and care.

It was powerful to share the patient perspective and encouraging that while there are inevitably differences in individual lived experience, people tell stories that reflect overarching shared and common themes in working to improve patient care and empowerment. The new CPG SARC is off to a good start!

Sheila Hannay

Director

Skin Conditions Campaign Scotland