Retrospective review of teledermatology in the Waikato, 1997-2002

We reviewed scheduled interactive teledermatology consultations from 1997 to 2002 between the Department of Dermatology of Health Waikato in Hamilton and remote sites at Taumarunui Hospital, Taupo Health Centre and the Ranolf Medical Centre, Rotorua, in New Zealand. Eighty-five per cent of 384 appointments were attended and most non-attendances were unexplained. The reason for consulting a dermatologist was inflammatory skin disease in 74% of cases, cutaneous infection in 10%, a skin lesion in 12% and no diagnosis was made in 4%. Follow ups were arranged for 41%, mainly by telemedicine (74%). Despite the apparent success of 75% of consultations and positive feedback from patients attending them, the service has not proved sustainable long-term. This is because of other priorities for the delivery of health care, lack of support by clinicians and administrators, and ongoing financial costs.