PS28 From conception to clinical impact: a review of the first national virtual psychodermatology multidisciplinary team in the UK

Abstract

The national virtual psychodermatology multidisciplinary team (p-MDT) was established in November 2020, to address the growing need for psychodermatology services and lack of support for healthcare professionals (HCPs) managing these patients. The virtual platform allows HCPs working with these patients nationally to obtain advice and work collaboratively despite the relative paucity of national psychodermatology centres. Our aims were to explore the characteristics of cases presented at, and recommendations provided by, the p-MDT. Data were obtained by reviewing available p-MDT pro formas and feedback from p-MDT referrers. Between August 2023 and August 2025, 58 cases were reviewed; 62% of patients were female. The mean age of patients was 50 years, with the largest proportion of referrals from the 35–64-years age bracket. Geographically, most (57%) cases discussed were referred by centres in London and South East England. In total, 71% of patients discussed had a known mental health diagnosis, with 63% currently or previously receiving medication for their condition. Primarily psychiatric-driven conditions accounted for 83% of discussed cases. The remaining 17% were primary dermatological conditions causing significant psychosocial impact. Only 22% of patients discussed in the p-MDT were advised to attend a specialist psychodermatology clinic for further assessment, while the rest received guided management to be implemented locally. Of referrers who responded to the feedback questionnaire, 95% found the p-MDT to be useful or extremely useful, and reported that they would use the service again. The p-MDT supports the delivery of timely, specialist-­directed care of these frequently complex psychodermatology cases. This virtual initiative is also helping to develop the psychodermatology workforce through education, and supporting clinicians to manage complex cases locally, reducing the burden of potential referrals to tertiary psychodermatology centres. Further work is needed to determine the potential cost-effectiveness of this measure.