Teledermatology as a tool for communication between general practitioners and dermatologists

A feasibility study of teledermatology was undertaken in Groningen. Six general practitioners (GPs) sent digital images by email, along with relevant patient information, to dermatologists at the Martini Ziekenhuis Groningen, a general non-academic hospital. The dermatologists returned their responses by email. A total of 89 cases were dealt with in this way. On average, the GPs took three photographs per patient. The time taken by the GP to produce and transmit the images, and to implement the telemedicine advice received from the dermatologist, was 9 min and 3 min, respectively. The time spent on diagnosis, provision of advice and response by email amounted to 10 min for the dermatologist. It was concluded that teleconsultations by email are feasible in the daily practice of GPs and dermatologists in a general non-academic hospital. Generally, GPs, dermatologists and patients were satisfied with teleconsultations. Furthermore, GPs reported that 63% of the teleconsultations were of educational value.