Genetic skin disorders: The value of a multidisciplinary clinic

Abstract

Genodermatoses are inherited disorders with skin manifestations and can present with multisystem involvement, resulting in challenges in diagnosis and treatment. To address this, the expertise of dermatology and clinical genetics through a multidisciplinary clinic (Genodermatoses Clinic) were combined. A retrospective cohort study of 45 children seen between March 2018 and February 2019 in the Genodermatoses Clinic at The Children s Hospital of Philadelphia was performed. Patient demographics, referral information, genetic testing modality, diagnoses, and patient satisfaction scores were evaluated to assess the clinic s impact. The majority of patients (42.2%) were referred from Dermatology and 86.7% were referred for diagnosis. Two‐thirds of the patients were recommended genetic testing, and subsequently 73.3% completed testing. Nearly three‐quarters, 26 out of 36 patients (72.2%), of our undiagnosed patients received a clinical and/or molecular diagnosis, which is imperative in managing their care. Twenty‐two individuals pursued genetic testing. In eight individuals (36%), molecular testing was diagnostic. However, in two individuals the molecular diagnosis did not completely explain the phenotype. However, there are still obstacles to genetic testing, such as cost of testing and insurance barriers. Almost all (91.4%) rated the Genodermatoses Clinic as “Very Good,” the top Press Ganey score. High patient satisfaction scores suggest a positive impact of the Genodermatoses clinic, emphasizing the importance to increase support for the clinical and administrative time needed for patients with genodermatoses.