Practical Advice for Fellows

The impact of COVID-19 on Fellows’ private practices has been swift and significant. College is of the view that Fellows are best placed to make individual decisions regarding how and where they choose to practice in these current circumstances. We strongly encourage Fellows to communicate with each other and share solutions, both locally and nationally via College.

The pressure on Fellows in both the private and public setting is appreciated. We are working with our College COVID-19 Taskforce to ensure that sensible and appropriate advice is delivered to Fellows and patients in a timely fashion. Fellows are urged to keep abreast of government advice and apply this practically. The below information has been stepped out in four key areas:

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Triaging of Clinical Care and Patient Categorisation
Your Practice
Your Patients
COVID-19 Dermatology Registries

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Following provisional TGA approval, a staged rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has commenced.

The Department of Health’s vaccine rollout roadmap has determined the phases of vaccination for priority groups.

The latest information is available from the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccines website and you can subscribe for the COVID-19 Vaccines Update.

The Department of Health’s recent information sheets for health professionals are below with further details and to help answer patient questions:

The National Boards and Ahpra have released a joint statement, Registered health practitioners and students and COVID-19 vaccination, on what is expected of health practitioners and students in giving, receiving and advising on and sharing information about COVID-19 vaccines.

Triaging of Clinical Care and Patient Categorisation

On 15 May 2020, the Prime Minister announced the reintroduction of hospital elective surgery in three stages, to be reviewed monthly. It is a decision of each jurisdiction to determine the stage, timeline and the level of normal surgical activity.

Guidance has been developed to assist Fellows with decisions around clinical urgency

View College’s resource COVID-19: Categorisation of dermatology patients for consultations and surgery in the ambulatory setting.

For guidance on the safe use of laser and energy-based devices, see:

The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists revised statement (26 April 2020): Guidance on the safe use of Laser & Energy Based Devices taking into consideration COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
Article published in the AJD (Aug 2020) Guidance on infection control and plume management with Laser and Energy-Based Devices taking into consideration COVID-19 (Sullivan JR et al).

Dermatological manifestations of COVID-19

A factsheet on Dermatological Manifestations of COVID-19 and a visual guide to skin signs associated with COVID-19 including a one page summary have been developed. These aim to inform Fellows of current evidence and prepare for patients presenting with cutaneous eruptions which are secondary to COVID-19 infection.

College has developed guidance on the COVID-19-related management of pernio / chilblains.

Your Practice

Business Operations and Considerations

During these challenging times, College remains cognisant of the financial impact on many practices COVID-19 has presented. To provide assistance, we have sought third party advice from our current auditor, William Buck. The information has been provided without charge and is high level and general in nature. It provides guidance for Fellows on government subsidies and other financial matters.

College strongly recommends Fellows seek specific guidance from their own accountants, advisers and indemnity groups who can tailor advice to their particular practice, financial position and business model.

William Buck COVID-19 Resource Centre

William Buck invites members to explore and utilise their website resources, specifically curated with business owners and operators in mind.

The resources cover a number of important topic areas including:

Accessing government subsidies
Preparing business continuity plans
Reviewing your tax obligations
Access to regularly update FAQ page specific for COVID-19

To view these resources, visit: https://www.williambuck.com/covid-19-and-your-business/

LiquidHR Webinar for Employers and Business Owners

College’s HR consultant, LiquidHR, have produced a webinar for members called “Practical advice for employers navigating downturns and government orders to close”.

Click here to view (members only): Practical advice for employers navigating downturns and government orders to close

Practice Environment

The following information has been developed to assist in your decision making about your practice set-up and operations. Topics include:

Signage in and around your practice
Reception desk organisation
Hand sanitiser
Waiting room set-up
Inside doctor’s rooms
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Cleaning your practice
Staff reminders

Detailed information on your practice environment

Prolonged use of masks and goggles can cause adverse skin reactions such as acne, contact dermatitis and pressure effects as well as exacerbating any underlying skin conditions. Here are some tips for you and your patients to avoid skin problems:

Practice Staff

This resource covers off a number of areas to think about relating to management of staff and practice management. Topics include:

Managing staff illness and a COVID-19 safe working environment
Staff contact with a potential or confirmed COVID-19 case
Close contact but while using PPE, and PPE reuse
COVID-19 case definition
Staff entitlements in event of self, staff forced, government or practice mandated isolation
Staffing levels and reducing hours
Staff working from home/remotely
Australian Government Support for businesses and employees

Detailed information on your practice staff

Your Patients

Clinical Service Provision

The following information has been developed to assist in your decision making about providing care to patients. Topics include:

Continuity of care
Consultations
Prescriptions
Letters and referrals
Phototherapy
Immunosuppressive and biologic medications
Your role as an advocate

Detailed information on Clinical Service Provision

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released interim guidance which aims to advice US clinicians on when it is safe to discontinue transmission-based precautions for patients with confirmed COVID-19, as determined by either a test-based, symptom-based or time-based strategy. Please note that this guidance is subject to frequent review of evidence.