This Month in JAAD International: October 2021: Teledermatology and global health

Background In developed countries, health care delivery in dermatology is hampered by the low availability of dermatologists. Objective To analyze the feasibility of a teledermatology-based action plan to provide initial dermatologic care in areas with low availability of dermatologists. Methods A cross-sectional study describing the feasibility and cost of a 12-month action plan based on a store-and-forward teledermatology (TD) connecting primary care centers and a TD center. Teleconsultations from patients complaining of any cutaneous condition were included. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients not referred to the local dermatologist. Results Among the total of 15,523 teleconsultations attended in the TD-based action plan, 3360 (21.65%) required a face-to-face visit with a local dermatologist. In 32.32% (n = 5017) of the cases, a therapeutic and follow-up plan report was issued. The most common conditions managed were melanocytic nevi (15.63%, n = 2426), followed by seborrheic keratosis (14.89%, n = 2312), and actinic keratosis (8.65%, n = 1342). The average response time was 14.52 days (95% CI 14.35-15.23). The additional total investment in this action plan was $142,681.01, with a unit cost of 9.20$/patient. Limitations Noncontrolled study. Conclusions Experienced dermatologists working with store-and-forward TD can deliver a fast and effective response in health care areas with access limitations.