Certification: "Occupational dermatology for nurses and physician assistants (DDA)" [Zertifizierung: "Berufsdermatologie für pflegekräfte und fachangestellte (DDA)"]

Abstract

Considering the increased demand for dermatological services on one side and the decreasing number of dermatologic specialists in Germany on the other side, the role of well-trained dermatological nurses and physician assistants is becoming more and more important in providing high-quality healthcare for patients with skin diseases. So far, specific training opportunities for dermatologic nurses and physician assistants have been missing in Germany. The German Dermatologic Academy (DDA) is therefore developing practice-oriented, module-based training programs for these professionals. In 1998, the Working Group for Occupational and Environmental Dermatology (ABD) in the German Society of Dermatology introduced a certificate "Occupational Dermatology" for board-certified dermatologists that can be obtained after passing 3 (since 2010: 4) 1-day training seminars. The feedback of the specialists in occupational dermatology increasingly showed that there is a need for training their non-physician staff. Therefore, the Board of the ABD developed a curriculum for dermatological nurses and physician assistants in occupational dermatology. This will enable the participants to professionally support the specialist in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of occupational skin disease as well in his tasks when performing an expert opinion for insurances or courts. © 2013 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle.