Store-and-forward teledermatology for triage of primary care referrals
Evidence Overview
Background
- Across the evidence base as a whole there was evidence that teledermatology for secondary care triage of referrals:
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- reduces the number of face-to-face secondary care appointments required. Where dermatology specialist triage provided advice or reassurance, published studies reported that in the region of 50% of referrals could be managed in primary care
- facilitates more accurate allocation of referral priority
- reduces waiting time for specialist dermatology input
- reduces time to commencing treatment, and
- offers similar clinical outcomes, quality of life and patient satisfaction as conventional referral.
- The main safety concern is that clinically significant incidental lesions may be missed as a result of fewer in person examinations. Actions to mitigate this risk will be required.
- A de novo cost consequence analysis for NHSScotland estimated that increased uptake of a SAF TD referral triage system would likely lead to a reduction in healthcare resource use, decreased travel requirements and costs for patients, leading to decreased carbon emissions.
