Use of Teledermatology to Improve Dermatological Access in Rural Areas

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatological access in rural regions has been impacted due to an acute, global dermatologist shortage coupled with a striking disparity in dermatologist density between urban and rural areas. As a result, the dermatological arena has been under notable pressure to amplify access. Teledermatology has entailed the use of technology to provide dermatological services to individuals located at a remote distance. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the effect of utilization of teledermatology to determine enhancement of dermatological access to residents of rural areas. Materials and Methods: This review followed a systematic approach and utilized five electronic databases to obtain peerreviewed journal articles. A PRISMA approach was used and a total of 86 references were employed. Results: Teledermatology programs have been able to complement conventional dermatological care to enhance dermatological access to rural areas that have suffered from a shortage of dermatologists and could aid in supplementing traditional care as well. Within rural settings, the results of three studies in this review indicated the importance of improved quality for diagnostic precision, whereas one study reported that clinical images might not provide sufficient insight to deliver clear-cut diagnoses. In addition, enhancements in diagnostic precision could be obtained by upgrades in phone cameras to capture images. Finally, to most of the existing literature, in using teledermatology, physician satisfaction has been stronger than patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Teledermatology has had a beneficial impact in improving dermatological access to rural areas. The success of this technology is contingent upon the commitment and willingness of the dermatologist in utilizing it.

Teledermatology reduces dermatology referrals and improves access to specialists

“…Other study in Cabo Verde, Africa, also reported the benefits of telemedicine, reducing the referrals for in-person consultations by 65% [21]. A systematic review for the use of TD in rural areas showed that it can improve the access to dermatological care, as we believe our study also did [22]. The shortened in the waiting time (a 78% reduction) for patients requiring treatments for potentially lethal diseases, such as melanoma and other severe skin malignancies and diseases, is an important outcome of our work that, as far as we know, has not been evaluated before in previous studies.…”

Egyptian dermatologists attitude toward telemedicine amidst the COVID19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…The COVID19 pandemic had impacted many dermatology practices worldwide, significantly reducing many face to face consultations and putting many practices on halt. Many urgent medical consultations and follow ups were maintained through mobile telemedicine platforms or through teledermatology telecommunications (3).…”

Telemedicine approach for psoriasis management, time for application? A systematic review of published studies

“…Teledermatology, as mobile‐phone‐based or internet‐based modalities, could be successfully applied, contributing to assessment and treatment of the patients in the long road from getting this chronic disease till recovery 3,5 . Indeed, the cell phone and some applications are easily available, applicable technologies and have already been utilized effectively to advice and support patients as well as to improve treatment compliance in many different dermatological chronic diseases 6,7 . Telemedicine has been used as a modality to provide access and cost‐effectiveness service for health care 8 .…”

“…3,5 Indeed, the cell phone and some applications are easily available, applicable technologies and have already been utilized effectively to advice and support patients as well as to improve treatment compliance in many different dermatological chronic diseases. 6,7 Telemedicine has been used as a modality to provide access and cost-effectiveness service for health care. 8 Coronavirus diseases (COVID- 19) is an emerging pandemic disease as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020.…”