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Author: Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2008. Brief update, April 2020.
Teledermatology refers to various aspects of dermatology delivered using modern information and communications technology (ICT).
Types of teledermatology are described below.
The dermatologist may conduct consultations with another dermatologist, a general practitioner, another health practitioner or directly with the patient. Teledermatology may be restricted to a certain area such as dermatopathology (teledermatopathology), dermoscopy (teledermoscopy) or triage of skin lesions.
Participants may be in a medical facility, at home, or travelling in a remote location.
Teledermatology also may be applied to the dermatological education or peer support of dermatologists, other health practitioners or consumers (patients).
The technology may involve the telephone system or the Internet, via satellite, wireless or copper wire. It may involve broadband, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), mobile or dial-up connections.
Examples follow.
Please note that DermNet has not assessed the reliability and safety of any of these systems.
Examples of specific telehealth video systems accessed via a standard internet browser include:
Several other web meeting services may be suitable if they offer a secure platform.
Early adopters of telemedicine included charitable organisations offering international consultations.
Teledermatology applications for consultations using mobile devices are increasingly prevalent. Examples include:
Many health organisations have established their own systems.
Teledermatology is harnessing artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of skin diseases. Examples of early-adopter applications include:
Teledermatoscopy systems can supplement:
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
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