A new study has found that a teledermatology platform using a dermoscope adapter can speed up referrals of suspicious lesions and rashes to dermatologists for possible surgery. The findings were published in Swedish medical journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica, according to a company statement. A teledermoscope is used to get a magnified view of rashes and skin conditions.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common cause of cancer in men and women in Sweden, according to the journal article. Despite a 6 percent increase in malignant melanoma cases annually over the past 10 years, in both men and women, the number of dermatologists has not increased. That’s led to long wait times for referrals.
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The study included 1,562 participants referred from 20 primary care practices to two dermatology practices and compared the time it took for dermatologists to act on those referrals. For a control group of 746, doctors sent paper-based referrals through “regular channels.” In a second group, physicians used a teledermoscope called Handyscope, from teledermatology company iDoc24, to produce images of the rashes or lesions in question along with an electronic referral, and transmitted in an encrypted electronic file to the dermatologist’s office. Dermatologists accessed the electronic files though the company’s Tele-Dermis platform.
In some instances, patients in the second group were able to receive surgery on their first in-person visit if required. The median diagnosis time was also shorter. Four referrals had to be excluded due to poor image quality.
The reduced referral time means teledermatology companies that prove their worth could have a significant impact on wait times.
Earlier this year, iDoc24 expanded the focus of its teledermatology platform to include children’s skin problems. An iOS mobile health app is designed to address parents’ concerns over rashes or unusual skin problems with their children and infants.
