Outcome Measurements Used in Randomized Controlled Trials of Teledermatology: A Systematic Mapping Review

Abstract

Assessment of the effectiveness of teledermatology is challenging due to different outcome measurements utilized. This review mapped 55 different outcome measurements reported in clinical trials of teledermatology using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy. Each trial used a mean of 3.7 measurements (range 2-7), and most measurements measured "skin and subcutaneous tissue outcomes". The most frequently used measurement was used in only 3 studies. Over 60% of the measurements did not cite evidence of validation. This review provides a list of measurements for use in designing future teledermatology trials, and provides the foundation to develop a core outcome set. Assessment of the effectiveness of teledermatology has been hampered by the variety of outcome meas ures used, limiting the possibility for metaanalysis. This systematic mapping review classified the outcome measurement instruments used in randomized con trolled trials of teledermatology conducted between 2008 and 2018 using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy. Sixteen articles de scribing 12 studies were identified. Each trial used a mean of 3.7 outcome measurements (range 2-7), with a total of 55 different instruments employed. Most in struments mapped on the "skin and subcutaneous tis sue outcomes" domain. The most frequently used in strument (Dermatology Life Quality Index) was used in only 3 studies. Over 60% of the instruments used did not cite any evidence of validation. This mapping review provides a list of outcome measurement instru ments that can be used as a resource when designing teledermatology trials in the future and provides the foundation for the development of a core outcome set.

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

“…A systematic review that studied outcome measurement instruments used in randomized controlled trials of teledermatology conducted between 2008 and 2018 concluded that the most frequently used instrument was the DLQI 29 . However, at that time only three studies were identified.…”

“…A systematic review that studied outcome measurement instruments used in randomized controlled trials of teledermatology conducted between 2008 and 2018 concluded that the most frequently used instrument was the DLQI. 29 However, at that time only three studies were identified. Our literature review has also confirmed that the DLQI is the most frequently used QoL instrument in teledermatology and was used in 15 studies.…”

Patients’ Experiences of Telemedicine for Their Skin Problems: Qualitative Study

“…This paper adds to the small number of qualitative studies [ 18 ] of teledermatology to be found among a rapidly growing quantitative literature on diagnostic accuracy [ 19 ], cost-effectiveness [ 20 ], and patient outcomes [ 21 ]. The advantage of a narrative approach is that it produces rich data enabling a better understanding of the patient’s journey and the way they understand and interpret their experiences.…”

Standardised Outcome Reporting for the Nutrition Management of Complex Chronic Disease: A Rapid Review

“…To note, core areas contain sub-categories called outcome domains, which enable specified outcome classification. Since publication in 2018, the taxonomy has been used in various systematic reviews to evaluate outcome reporting across a range of populations [4,[29][30][31]. COS are not obliged to evaluate outcomes from all of the core areas; however, considering a broad range of outcomes may be meaningful for stakeholders [2].…”