Analysis of ultraviolet phototherapy and photochemotherapy resources in Ireland

Abstract

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy is widely used and very successful in the treatment of skin conditions. As such a safe and efficient service is essential. At present, there are no standard Irish guidelines regarding the operation, calibration or inspection of UV equipment nor is there an Irish policy on staff/patient safety or training issues.

Aim: To survey all known phototherapy centres in Ireland.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to all known phototherapy centres in Ireland addressed to the consultant dermatologist or the physiotherapist-in-charge. It was divided into six sections: Instrumentation, Quality Assurance, UV meters, equipment maintenance, patient/staff safety and training. Comments on current practice were invited. Non-respondents were contacted by telephone, in some cases the survey was mailed a second time.

Results: This study demonstrated a substantial quantity of suboptimal equipment in use and a lack of consensus regarding quality assurance inspection and UV meter calibration frequency.

Conclusions: Guidelines must be established for calibration of UV equipment and standardisation of phototherapy protocols in Ireland.