How Teledermatology is Done in the UK

  • In the UK today, we see a number of different teledermatology models in use:
    • The National Health Service (NHS) has its own digital platform called eRS, which has an advice and guidance arm.
      • General Practitioners (GPs) can attach digital images to these referrals for advice and guidance to be answered rapidly, followed by a referral if necessary.
    • Some areas have developed their own dermatology services, some of which can use their own local IT or adaptations of other existing ones. (“SystmOne”)
  • Beyond this, there are also a number of commercial platforms that are in use.
    • Consultant connect
    • Cinapsis
    • Medapp
    • Vantage Rego
    • Mederma
    • MySkinDoctor
  • The ultimate goal is working towards the ideal teledermatology system:
    • services which are fully integrated between primary and secondary care that utilize better pathways, secure interface between the IT systems, iso they can be used anywhere at any time
    • fully auditable with instant access and analysis of all the data contained: we’ll therefore be able to see:
    • knowledge of who’s referring what,
    • knowledge of when is the referral situated in the patient treatment pathways
    • who’s on the waiting list
    • the proportion of referrals
    • how many management recommendations are sent back to the GP and how many need a specialist in-person visit.

Saul Halpern, MD. Teledermatology in Europe. 8th World Congress of Teledermatology, Skin Imaging and AI in Skin diseases – November 2020

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