General practitioners' perceptions of store-and-forward teledermatology

We studied the views of 26 general practitioners (GPs) towards store-and-forward tele-dermatology before its introduction into their practices. A postal questionnaire was developed using Likert-type questions with respondents able to explain their answers in free text. Questions related to the GPs' knowledge, perceptions and expectations of tele-dermatology, as well as their attitudes towards being part of a research trial. Most of the GPs had limited prior knowledge of tele-dermatology. They perceived its role to relate to quicker access to specialist opinions, decreased referrals, increased convenience for patients, diagnosis, and education and teaching. There was an overwhelming view that any system needed to be quick, easy to use, efficient and reliable. Concerns were expressed about being part of the clinical trial, using new technology and an increased workload. The future of tele-dermatology was thought to depend on the clinical adequacy of the system.