Wagner, 1998  Title: Dermatologists' attitudes toward independent
nonphysician electrolysis practice.
Author: Wagner RF Jr, Brown T, Archer RE, Uchida
T
Journal: Dermatol Surg 1998 Mar;24(3):357-62;
discussion 362-3
PMID: 9537011, UI: 98198115
Affiliated institution: Department
of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston,
USA.
BACKGROUND: Dermatologists' attitudes toward independent electrolysis
practice by nonphysicians has historically ranged from the critical
to the praiseworthy. It is hypothesized that dermatologists' attitudes
toward independent electrolysis practice by nonphysicians is related
to physicians' perception of licensing requirements for independent
nonphysician electrologists (INE).
METHODS: Nine hundred and thirty-seven fellows of the American
Academy of Dermatology (AAD) residing in the Southern United States
were anonymously surveyed about independent electrolysis practice
by nonphysicians. The results of the survey were analyzed using
the Pearson chi-square test.
RESULTS: Dermatologists who perceived that licensing was required
for INE were significantly more likely to refer patients to INE
for hair removal (P = 0.001) and prescribe EMLA cream (lidocaine
2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) to patients requesting it for electrolysis
performed by INE (P = 0.001). However, those dermatologists who
had electrolysis services available in their practice settings
(15.1%) were significantly less likely to refer patients to INE
(P = 0.001) and to prescribe EMLA cream to patients seeking electrolysis
from INE (P = 0.034). Only 5.7% of responding dermatologists supported
the use of hair removal lasers by INE.
CONCLUSION: Dermatologists' attitudes toward INE generally appear
to be positively related to perceived licensure requirements for
INE, but these positive attitudes do not extend to independent
laser use by nonphysician electrologists for hair removal.
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