Teledermatology for Diagnosis and Management of Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review of the Evidence [Internet]

Review
Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2010 Jan.

Excerpt

Telemedicine uses telecommunication technology to transfer medical information. Due to the visual nature of a skin examination, telemedicine, specifically, teledermatology, may be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of dermatologic diseases for patients in rural areas (including rural Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics) who may not have ready access to a dermatologist. Teledermatology may also be useful in primary care settings to triage cases and limit unnecessary dermatology clinic referrals. Although not the focus of this review, teledermatology may also be used to provide follow-up care or monitoring after an in-person dermatology visit. The objectives of this evidence synthesis project were to systematically review and summarize the scientific literature addressing: 1) teledermatology for the diagnosis of skin conditions, 2) teledermatology for the management of skin conditions, 3) clinical outcomes when teledermatology is used, 4) the cost of teledermatology compared with usual care (in-person dermatology), and 5) key elements of, and barriers to, successful teledermatology implementation.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

Prepared for: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research & Development Service, Washington, DC 20420. Prepared by: VA Evidence Synthesis Program, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN.