A Narrative Review of Medical Secretaries' Coordination of Laboratory Results and Follow-up for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis in Primary Care Workflows
Abstract
Background: The effective management of chronic dermatological conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) in primary care hinges on a seamless cycle of laboratory monitoring and consistent follow-up. Medical secretaries are pivotal yet understudied actors in this workflow, responsible for the critical coordination of lab results and patient recall.
Aim: This narrative review synthesizes literature to examine the role, impact, and challenges faced by medical secretaries in coordinating laboratory results and follow-up for psoriasis and AD in primary care settings.
Methods: A systematic search of five databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO) was conducted for literature published between 2010-2024, combining terms related to medical secretaries, care coordination, laboratory results, and the specified dermatological conditions.
Results: The review identifies key administrative protocols, communication barriers, and technological facilitators. It highlights how secretarial coordination directly influences timeliness of care, patient safety, and clinician efficiency, but is often hampered by fragmented systems and ambiguous role definitions.
Conclusion: Optimizing the secretarial role through defined protocols, integrated technology, and interprofessional recognition is essential for improving the quality and safety of chronic dermatology management in primary care.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Ahmed Mohammed Shtefi, Yasir Ibrahim Yahya Kariri, Mousa Wasili, Fahad Mousa Wasili, Amani Ali Madkhali, Wejdan Mohammed Abkar Khalil, Lolah Ali Essa Alageeli, Fatimah Hamad Mohammed Shajri
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