Dermatology service wins top medical award

Friday 6 May 2016


Dermatology service wins top medical award

An innovative approach to providing psychological care for patients with skin disease has won a prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) Award.

Staff from St John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guy’s and St Thomas’ were named Dermatology Team of the Year at the BMJ Awards 2016 yesterday (Thurday 5 May) for introducing a new screening system that helps to improve psychological support for patients.

Because patients with severe psoriasis or eczema often have low self esteem or depression, the team applied the IMPARTS (Integrating Mental and Physical Healthcare: Research Training and Service) system.

This involves asking patients to complete a screening questionnaire while waiting for their dermatology appointment. The questionnaire is designed to reveal any psychological issues so that appropriate support and treatment can be arranged.  

Professor Catherine Smith, consultant dermatologist, says: “The successful delivery of patient-centred care in the service is due to the commitment, skills, and fantastic ‘can do’ attitude of our multi-disciplinary team. We’re all thrilled to have this recognised through winning a BMJ Award.”

IMPARTS was developed by King’s Health Partners, the Academic Health Science Centre including Guy’s and St Thomas’, which brings together world-class research, education and clinical practice for the benefit of patients. The system is now being run in more than 25 services across King’s Health Partners to improve mind and body care for people with a wide range of conditions. 

Last updated: March 2022

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