Practice and Educational Gaps in Light, Laser, and Energy Treatments

Murad Alam; Abigail Waldman; Keyvan Nouri; M Laurin Council; Todd V Cartee

doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.03.002

Practice and Educational Gaps in Light, Laser, and Energy Treatments

Dermatol Clin. 2016 Jul;34(3):347-52. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2016.03.002.

Authors

Murad Alam¹, Abigail Waldman², Keyvan Nouri³, M Laurin Council⁴, Todd V Cartee⁵

Affiliations

¹ Micrographic Surgery and Dermatology Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: m-alam@northwestern.edu.
² Micrographic Surgery and Dermatology Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
³ Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
⁴ Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 969 Mason Rd., Suite 200, St Louis, MO 63141, USA.
⁵ Department of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, UPC 1, Suite 100, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.

PMID: 27363892
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2016.03.002

Abstract

This article discusses current practice in laser dermatology, the gaps in practice, and recommendations for improvement. As is the case with other areas of cosmetic dermatology, there is a rapid development of new laser and light devices with limited epidemiologic data available to inform best practice. The high fixed cost associated with new laser devices, limited space available in some practices, and inconsistent training may limit the adoption of needed therapies. Improving research in this area; training opportunities for physicians, residents, and staff; and cost-effective laser/light device rentals programs could improve quality of current practice.

Keywords: Cosmetic dermatology; Laser dermatology; Practice gaps.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Competence
Dermatology / education*
Dermatology / methods*
Dermatology / standards
Humans
Internship and Residency*
Laser Therapy* / adverse effects
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Skin Diseases / therapy*