Technologies in dermatology: teledermatology review
Johnson, M.N.; Armstrong, A.W.
Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia Organo Ufficiale Societa Italiana di Dermatologia e Sifilografia 146(2): 143-153
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0488 PMID: 21505399 Document Number: 651418
Many rural and underserved communities face a shortage of dermatologists and long patient wait times. Teledermatology systems have the potential to accommodate increasing demands for dermatologists. With the current shortage of dermatologists in many communities, teledermatology complements conventional face-to-face dermatologic care where access to specialty care is limited. Teledermatology involves the use of communications technology to remotely provide skin care, and it is an extensively investigated branch of telemedicine. The overall goal of this review is to discuss the current literature on: 1) teledermatology technology; 2) accuracy and reliability of teledermatology; 3) healthcare delivery models, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction data; 4) economic considerations; and 5) future research considerations and implications of teledermatology.