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Wallace MM, Hackstadt AJ, Zhao Z, Patrinely JR, Zic J, Ellis D, Paul L, Sultan M, Danford B, Hanlon AM. The Teledermatology Experience: Cost Savings and Image Quality Control. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1411-1417. [PMID: 38150704 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Teledermatology adoption continues to increase, in part, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes the utility and cost savings of a store-and-forward teledermatology consultative system within the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Methods: Retrospective cohort of 4,493 patients across 14 remote sites in Tennessee and Kentucky from May 2017 through August 2019. The study measured the agreement between the teledermatology diagnoses and follow-up face-to-face clinic evaluations as well as the cost effectiveness of the teledermatology program over the study period. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients were recommended for face-to-face appointment for biopsy or further evaluation. Most patients, 80.5% received their face-to-face care by a VA dermatologist. There was a high level of concordance between teledermatologist and clinic dermatologist for pre-malignant and malignant cutaneous conditions. Veterans were seen faster at a VA clinic compared with a community dermatology site. Image quality improved as photographers incorporated teledermatologist feedback. From a cost perspective, teledermatology saved the VA system $1,076,000 in community care costs. Discussion: Teledermatology is a useful diagnostic tool within the VA system providing Veteran care at a cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Wallace
- Department of Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amber J Hackstadt
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zijun Zhao
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - John Zic
- Department of Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Darrel Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lynn Paul
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Miliyard Sultan
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brandon Danford
- Department of Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allison M Hanlon
- Department of Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Chernyshov PV, Finlay AY, Tomas-Aragones L, Tognetti L, Moscarella E, Pasquali P, Manolache L, Pustisek N, Svensson A, Marron SE, Bewley A, Salavastru C, Suru A, Koumaki D, Linder D, Abeni D, Augustin M, Blome C, Salek SS, Evers AWM, Poot F, Sampogna F, Szepietowski JС. Quality of life measurement in teledermatology. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Teledermatology. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:254-264. [PMID: 37877648 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Many events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient-oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health-related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face-to-face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face-to-face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology-specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease-specific instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P V Chernyshov
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - A Y Finlay
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - L Tomas-Aragones
- Department of Psychology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L Tognetti
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - E Moscarella
- Dermatology Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - P Pasquali
- Dermatology Department, Pius Hospital de Valls, Tarragona, Spain
| | - L Manolache
- Dermatology, Dali Medical, Bucharest, Romania
| | - N Pustisek
- Children's Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Svensson
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - S E Marron
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Aragon Psychodermatology Research Group (GAI+PD), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - A Bewley
- Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, UK
- The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - C Salavastru
- Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Suru
- Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - D Koumaki
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - D Linder
- University Clinic for Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - D Abeni
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Blome
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S S Salek
- School of Life & Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - A W M Evers
- Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F Poot
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Sampogna
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Lopez-Liria R, Lopez-Villegas A, Valverde-Martinez MA, Perez-Heredia M, Vega-Ramirez FA, Peiro S, Leal-Costa C. Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life of Patients with Dermatological Problems: Teledermatology Versus Face-to-Face Dermatology. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2172. [PMID: 36360514 PMCID: PMC9691076 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients cared for with teledermatology (TD) services was analyzed as compared with face-to-face dermatology (F-F/D) at the hospital. This study was a controlled, non-blinded, intra-level, and multicenter randomized clinical trial, with a 6-month follow-up. A total of 450 patients were randomly assigned to two different groups. The Spanish version of the generic EuroQol-5-dimensions-5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and the specific Skindex-29 questionnaire were used at 0 and 6 months. The number of primary care visits (2.24 TD; 1.68 F-F/D) and number of hospital visits (0.01 TD; 1.48 F-F/D) were statistically significant. It was observed that from month 0 onwards, the users included in the F-F/D group self-perceived a lower HRQoL than the users included in the TD group (Skindex-29 total: p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L VAS = p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L utilities = p ≤ 0.00). At the end of the study, the patients included in the F-F/D group still obtained lower scores in their perception of HRQoL, as compared to those included in the other type of follow-up (Skindex-29 total: p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L VAS = p ≤ 0.00; EQ-5D-5L utilities = p ≤ 0.00). TD was an effective diagnosis and follow-up tool. At the end of the study period, the HRQoL of the patients in both groups was significantly higher as compared to their baseline levels. Additionally, both the general and specific HRQoL perceived by the TD patients was higher than the F-F/D group from the start of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remedios Lopez-Liria
- Health Research Centre, Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Carretera del Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | | | - Maria Angeles Valverde-Martinez
- Health Research Centre, Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Carretera del Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Mercedes Perez-Heredia
- Research Management Department, Primary Care District Poniente of Almería, El Ejido, 04700 Almeria, Spain
| | | | - Salvador Peiro
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain
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Omara S, Wen D, Ng B, Anand R, Matin RN, Taghipour K, Esdaile B. Identification of Incidental Skin Cancers Among Adults Referred to Dermatologists for Suspicious Skin Lesions. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2030107. [PMID: 33326027 PMCID: PMC7745102 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.30107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The incidence of skin cancer is increasing and evaluation of the utility of total body skin examination (TBSE) in detecting incidental skin cancers is warranted. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the proportion and rate of incidental skin cancer detection in urgent skin cancer clinics and investigate the rate of incidental skin cancer detection in 2 groups based on the degree of clinical suspicion of the index lesion for malignancy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A multicenter retrospective cohort study with a case note review of consecutive secondary care consultations was conducted using data from 2 urgent suspected skin cancer screening clinics in UK National Health Service trusts. The study was performed from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, and data analysis was performed from October 14, 2018, to February 1, 2019. Patients included those presenting with a skin lesion suspicious of malignancy who were referred to the urgent suspected skin cancer clinic (N = 5944) over 15 months. Patients who accepted and received a TBSE were subsequently included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The proportion and rate of incidental skin cancer detection through TBSE and whether a clinically suspicious (malignant) index lesion was associated with a higher chance of having a malignant incidental lesion. RESULTS Of the 5944 patients referred to the clinic, 4726 individuals (79.5%) were evaluated. In the cohort included in the analyses, the median age was 57 years (interquartile range, 39-73 years); 2567 patients (54.3%) were women. A total of 1117 skin cancers were identified; of these, 242 lesions (21.7%) were detected incidentally through TBSE, including 197 of 570 (34.6%) basal cell carcinomas, 16 of 250 (6.4%) squamous cell carcinomas, and 25 of 215 (11.6%) melanomas. The detection rate of incidental malignant lesions was 5.1 lesions per 100 patients examined (5.1%; 95% CI, 4.5%-5.8%). There was a higher detection rate of histologically confirmed incidental malignant lesions in individuals with clinically suspicious index lesions requiring biopsy (10.9%; 95% CI, 9.5%-12.5%) compared with those presenting with clinically benign index lesions (2.0%; 95% CI, 1.6%-2.5%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study support the use of TBSE for urgent skin cancer referrals, highlighting the potential harms of solitary lesion assessment in a subgroup. Individuals presenting with a clinically suspicious index lesion requiring biopsy are most likely to benefit from TBSE and should be counseled regarding the benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Omara
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - David Wen
- Department of Dermatology, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Ng
- Department of Dermatology, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Anand
- Department of Dermatology, Whittington Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rubeta N. Matin
- Department of Dermatology, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Taghipour
- Department of Dermatology, Whittington Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Esdaile
- Department of Dermatology, Whittington Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Holmes AN, Chansky PB, Simpson CL. Teledermatology Consultation Can Optimize Treatment of Cutaneous Disease by Nondermatologists in Under-Resourced Clinics. Telemed J E Health 2019; 26:1284-1290. [PMID: 31800369 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Access to dermatologists is limited for disadvantaged patients, who may receive suboptimal dermatologic care from nonspecialists. We assessed if teledermatology could improve primary care provider (PCP)-delivered care for cutaneous disease at a clinic serving uninsured patients. Materials and Methods: Utilizing the American Academy of Dermatology's free AccessDerm program, we offered store-and-forward teledermatology to PCPs, who initiated consultations at will during clinical care independent of the study. We retrospectively analyzed all consultations from 2013 to 2017 and collected patient age/sex, teledermatologist diagnosis, time to teledermatologist reply, time to next dermatology appointment, as well as PCP- and teledermatologist-proposed care plans. Results: Retrospective analysis of 131 consults revealed a 37-h mean teledermatology response-time versus a 14-day appointment wait (p < 0.00001). Teledermatologists provided a definitive care plan without in-person evaluation for 82 (65%) of completed consults and recommended interim treatments while awaiting appointments in 15 cases, thus accelerating care plan delivery in 97 cases (76%). The triage decision rate differed among diagnostic categories; deferral to in-person evaluation was more frequent for neoplasms (p < 0.0001). When PCPs specified preconsult treatment plans, 82% differed from teledermatologist-advised management. Following teledermatologist recommendations would have changed the clinical course in 70% of cases, potentially avoiding suboptimal care, including inappropriate corticosteroids, antimicrobials, and emergency room referrals. Conclusions: We found teledermatology can effectively guide PCPs in resource-limited settings by accelerating delivery of dermatologist-recommended care plans for uninsured patients. Expanding teledermatology for PCPs in under-resourced clinics has the potential to improve treatment of cutaneous disease by nonspecialists and to mitigate suboptimal care for disadvantaged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Holmes
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter B Chansky
- Department of Dermatology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cory L Simpson
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Seethaler A, Rudack C, Spiekermann C. Structured literature review of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments in adult tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019; 17:122. [PMID: 31307495 PMCID: PMC6631536 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1192-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Instruments that measure the patient-reported outcome and quality of life are essential to assess the treatment success of any medical intervention. This review represents valid and reliable outcome assessment instruments for tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TO) in adult patients as TE/TO still belong to one of the most common performed surgical procedures. METHODS A systematic review of the literature in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies describing reliable and valid patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in adults with regard to the perioperative as well as postoperative follow-up after TE/TO were examined. Thus, studies without PROMs or PROMs only relating to children as well as studies in non-English/non-German language or without any detailed information were excluded. RESULTS Four thousand four hundred forty studies were identified. Thirteen reliable and valid patient-reported outcome assessment instruments presenting the perioperative and postoperative outcome were analysed. Four generic questionnaires are included that are used to measure the outcome after TE/TO in adults. Four disease-specific questionnaires relating to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) as well as two TE/TO specific questionnaires are validated for adults. With regard to the perioperative outcome including parameters like pain, nausea, vomiting, satisfaction three assessment instruments are analysed. CONCLUSION This review describes the currently available, reliable and valid generic and disease-specific instruments assessing the perioperative as well as postoperative outcome to evaluate the treatment success after TE/TO in adult patients. Therefore, this study improves the selection of the appropriate patient-reported outcome assessment instrument to assess the quality of life in adults undergoing TE/TO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Seethaler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rudack
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Spiekermann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany. .,Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Münster, Röntgenstr. 21, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Peracca SB, Jackson GL, Weinstock MA, Oh DH. Implementation of Teledermatology: Theory and Practice. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13671-019-0252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Online Care Versus In-Person Care for Improving Quality of Life in Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Equivalency Trial. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:1037-1044. [PMID: 30481495 PMCID: PMC6599714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This 12-month, pragmatic, randomized controlled equivalency trial evaluated whether an online, collaborative connected-health model results in equivalent improvements in quality of life compared with in-person care for psoriasis. Overall, 296 adults with physician-diagnosed psoriasis from ambulatory clinics were randomly assigned to either online or in-person care; all were analyzed for outcomes. In the online group, patients and primary care providers sought dermatologists' care directly and asynchronously online. The in-person group sought care face to face. Interventions did not allow blinding of participants; investigators were blinded during analysis. Across 12 months, for the online group, the mean ± standard deviation decline in Skindex-16 from baseline across follow-up visits was 9.02 ± 20.67 compared with 10.55 ± 23.50 for the in-person group. The difference in Skindex-16 between the two groups was -0.83 (95% confidence interval = -5.18 to 3.51), and this was within the equivalence margin (±7.0). For the online group, the mean ± standard deviation decline in Dermatology Life Quality Index was 1.64 ± 4.34 compared with 1.18 ± 4.77 for the in-person group. The difference in Dermatology Life Quality Index between the two groups was -0.45 (95% confidence interval = -1.29 to 0.38) and was within the equivalence margin (±2.5). In conclusion, the online model was as effective as in-person care in improving quality of life among psoriasis patients. This study was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02358135).
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Lee KJ, Finnane A, Soyer HP. Recent trends in teledermatology and teledermoscopy. Dermatol Pract Concept 2018; 8:214-223. [PMID: 30116667 PMCID: PMC6092076 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.0803a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Teledermatology is a useful alternative where specialized dermatological assistance is not available and has been used successfully to support health professionals in a wide range of settings worldwide, in either an asynchronous store-and-forward format or a real-time video conferencing format. Teledermoscopy, which includes dermoscopic images in the teleconsultation, is another addition that improves remote assessments of pigmented lesions. A more recent variant is mobile teledermoscopy, which uses a smartphone to deliver the same type of service. Teledermoscopy’s greatest strength may be as a triage and monitoring tool, as it can reduce the number of unnecessary referrals, wait times, and the cost of providing and receiving dermatological care. While face-to-face (FTF) care remains the gold standard for diagnosis, drawbacks of not using FTF care as the primary method can be mitigated if teleconsultants are willing to refer to FTF care whenever there is uncertainty. Teledermatology has generally been well accepted by patients and practitioners alike. Barriers to the large-scale use of teledermatology remain. Assigning medicolegal responsibility and instituting a reimbursement system are critical to promoting widespread use by medical professionals, while privacy and security features and a mechanism to link teleconsultations to patients’ existing health records are essential to maximize patient benefit. Direct-to-consumer services also need attention from regulators to ensure that consumers can enjoy the benefits of telemedicine without the dangers of unregulated or untested platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Lee
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anna Finnane
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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Augustin M, Wimmer J, Biedermann T, Blaga R, Dierks C, Djamei V, Elmer A, Elsner P, Enk A, Gass S, Henningsen M, Hofman-Wellenhof R, von Kiedrowski R, Kunz HD, Liebram C, Navarini A, Otten M, Reusch M, Schüller C, Zink A, Strömer K. Praxis der Teledermatologie. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2018; 16 Suppl 5:6-57. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Augustin
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen (IVDP); Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg
| | - Johannes Wimmer
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen (IVDP); Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Hautklinik Campus Biederstein; Technische Universität München, München
| | - Rolf Blaga
- Psoriasis Selbsthilfe Arbeitsgemeinschaft e. V.; Berlin
| | | | | | - Arno Elmer
- Hochschule für Ökonomie und Management Berlin, Berlin
| | - Peter Elsner
- Klinik für Hautkrankheiten; Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena
| | - Alexander Enk
- Hautklinik; Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | | | - Maike Henningsen
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen (IVDP); Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marina Otten
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen (IVDP); Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg
| | | | | | - Alexander Zink
- Dermatologischen Universitätsklinik; Technischen Universität München, München
| | - Klaus Strömer
- Gemeinschaftspraxis für Dermatologie und Allergologie; Mönchengladbach
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Trettel A, Eissing L, Augustin M. Telemedicine in dermatology: findings and experiences worldwide - a systematic literature review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017; 32:215-224. [PMID: 28516492 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine has become an important element of health care in many countries and profited from the technological progress of the last two decades. Due to the visual character of the dermatological specialty, teledermatology in particular participated in that development and is becoming a major tool in dermatological consultation. The objective of this article was to identify the use of teledermatology across the world based on published original articles. A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases for eligible publications (predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria) and a cross-validation search were conducted. Search results were reviewed systematically. The search resulted in 204 publications meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. The highest number of published studies on teledermatology was performed in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Austria. The majority of dermatological indications for telemedical consultations were not specified or included various kinds of skin diseases, followed by skin cancer and wounds. Research questions predominantly focused on concordance, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness to determine the value. Teledermatology proved to be a reliable consultation tool in the majority of studies. If specified, telemedicine was used in daily dermatological routine for patient management purposes, to consult patients in peripheral locations, or for medical support in nursing homes or home care settings. The application of teledermatology worldwide is highest in North American and European countries, while countries with poor geographical distribution of physicians seem to be under-represented in teledermatological use, as concluded from publication output. Regarding indications, comparison with classic consultation and area of application, most studies were of general nature. For precise determination of the value, systematic studies would be needed. However, teledermatology is already accepted as a valid tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Trettel
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Eissing
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Kornmehl H, Singh S, Johnson MA, Armstrong AW. Direct-Access Online Care for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Examining Patient Quality of Life. Telemed J E Health 2017; 23:726-732. [PMID: 28570163 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease requiring regular follow-up. To increase access to dermatological care, online management of AD is being studied. However, a critical knowledge gap exists in determining AD patients' quality of life in direct-to-patient online models. In this study, we examined quality of life in AD patients managed through a direct-access online model. MATERIALS AND METHODS We randomized 156 patients to receiving care through a direct-access online platform or in person. Patients were seen for six visits over 12 months. At each visit, the patients completed Dermatology Life Quality Index/Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI/CDLQI), and Short Form (SF-12). RESULTS Between baseline and 12 months, the mean (standard deviation, SD) within-group difference in DLQI score in the online group was 4.1 (±2.3); for the in-person group, the within-group difference was 4.8 (±2.7). The mean (SD) within-group difference in CDLQI score in the online group was 4.7 (±2.8); for the in-person group, the within-group difference was 4.9 (±3.1). The mean (SD) within-group difference in physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) SF-12 scores in the online group was 6.5 (±3.8) and 8.6 (±4.3); for the in-person group, it was 6.8 (±3.2) and 9.1(±3.8), respectively. The difference in the change in DLQI, CDLQI, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS scores between the two groups was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [90% CI], -0.97 to 2.41), 0.23 (90% CI, -2.21 to 2.67), 0.34 (90% CI, -1.16 to 1.84), and 0.51 (90% CI, -1.11 to 2.13), respectively. All differences were contained within their equivalence margins. CONCLUSION Adult and pediatric AD patients receiving direct-access online care had equivalent quality of life outcomes as those see in person. The direct-access online model has the potential to increase access to care for patients with chronic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kornmehl
- 1 Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sanminder Singh
- 2 University of California , Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Mary Ann Johnson
- 3 Department of Dermatology, Mercy Medical Group , Eldorado Hills, California
| | - April W Armstrong
- 4 Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) , Los Angeles, California
- 5 Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
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14
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Gust P, Vassantachart JM, Jacob SE. Assessing pruritus as a quality of life metric in the teledermatology setting. Int J Dermatol 2016; 55:e604-e605. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gust
- School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
| | | | - Sharon E. Jacob
- Department of Dermatology; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
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Tensen E, van der Heijden JP, Jaspers MWM, Witkamp L. Two Decades of Teledermatology: Current Status and Integration in National Healthcare Systems. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 5:96-104. [PMID: 27182461 PMCID: PMC4848332 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-016-0136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Teledermatology, originating in 1995, has been one of the first telemedicine services to see the light of day. Two decades of teledermatology research is summarized in this review. A literature search was conducted in PubMed. Search terms included “teledermatology,” “teledermoscopy,” “tele wound care,” “telederm*,” “(dermatology OR dermoscopy OR wound care OR skin) AND (telemedicine OR ehealth or mhealth OR telecare OR teledermatology OR teledermoscopy).” Inclusion criteria were (i) Dutch or English written papers and (ii) publication year from 2011 to present or (iii) (systematic) reviews with publication year before 2011. One hundred fourteen publications and 14 (systematic) reviews were included for full text reading. Focus of this review is on the following outcomes: (i) actors (primary, secondary, tertiary), (ii) purposes (consultation, triage, follow-up, education) and subspecialties (tele-wound care, burn care, teledermoscopy (teledermatoscopy), teledermatopathology, and mobile teledermatology), (iii) delivery modalities and technologies (store and forward, real-time interactive, and hybrid modalities using web-based systems, email, mobile phones, tablets, or videoconferencing equipment), (iv) business models, (v) integration of teledermatology into national healthcare systems, (vi) preconditions and requirements for implementation (security, ethical issues, responsibility, reimbursement, user satisfaction, technique, and technology standards), and (vii) added value. To conclude, teledermatology is an efficient and effective healthcare service compared to in-person care. Teledermatology reduces patients’ travel time and waiting time, avoids (unnecessary) dermatologic visits, and improves access of care to underserved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tensen
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - M W M Jaspers
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Witkamp
- Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; KSYOS Health Management Research, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
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