Live Interactive Teledermatology Consultations Lead To Better Clinical Outcomes

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Academic Journal
Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 17 Jan 2012 - 15:00 PST

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According to a report in the January issue of Archives of Dermatology, the use of live interactive teledermatology consultations can lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients, with most the consultations resulting in changes in diagnosis and disease management.

The authors write in their background information:

"Telemedicine is an evolving field that uses technology-enabled health care delivery models to provide patient care from a distance. The increasing use of teledermatology to serve geographically distant communities, medically underserved communities, and veterans attests to the continued growth of teledermatology applications in the United States as well as other countries. "

The study, led by Sonia Lamel, M.D., and colleagues at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, included 1,500 patients who received live interactive teledermatology consultations between 2003 and 2005.

Through retrospective analysis of the medical records, the researchers were able to compare diagnoses and treatment plans between the referring physician and the teledermatologist. Patients who had at least 2 teledermatology visits in a year were assessed for clinical outcome changes.

Diagnosis changes were found in 69.9 percent (n=1,042) of the live interactive teledermatology consultations cases. Disease management changes were also observed in 97.7 percent of patient consultations, with 67.5 percent of cases (n=1,006) receiving recommendation of initiation or discontinuation of a medication, 18.3 percent (n=272) having the addition of laboratory tests or cultures, 9.1 percent (n=136) receiving education or observation and 4.8 percent (n=71) receiving changes in either dosage or delivery of a medication.

The study found that there was an overall improvement in clinical outcomes associated with changes in diagnoses, disease management and number of teledermatology visits. Patients who had a change in diagnosis had 1.97 increased odds of clinical improvement compared to those whose diagnosis did not change. In addition, for each teledermatology follow-up visit, patients experienced 2.06 increased odds of clinical outcome improvement.

The authors conclude

"Our study showed that LI [live interactive] teledermatology consultations resulted in changes in diagnosis and disease management in most consultations. With advancements in videoconferencing technology, interactive mobile platforms, and connectivity speed, the practice of LI teledermatology will likely become more efficient and similar to in-person encounters in the near future."

Written by Joseph Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
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