Patient satisfaction with teledermatology: quantitative and qualitative results from a randomized controlled trial

As part of a randomized controlled trial involving 208 dermatology patients, a quantitative and qualitative study was undertaken to explore patients' satisfaction with a specialist dermatological opinion and further management obtained through either a traditional outpatient consultation (control group) or an asynchronous teleconsultation (telemedicine group). There was a response rate of 71% to the quantitative patient satisfaction survey (148 replies from 208 distributed questionnaires). The responders comprised 80 of the 111 telemedicine patients (72%) and 68 of the 97 control patients (70%). Overall levels of patient satisfaction were high in both groups, and there was no significant difference between them. Ninety per cent of patients in the control group were satisfied with their overall care, compared with 81% in the telemedicine group, and 87% of patients in the control group were satisfied with their overall management, compared with 84% in the telemedicine group. Follow-up qualitative interviews with 30 of the participants also suggested that patients were generally positive about their care and management, regardless of group, age or gender. Receiving a diagnosis, treatment and cure, receiving adequate information and explanations, the need to be taken seriously, the need for individualized personal care, and the importance of a short waiting time for an appointment and treatment were all aspects of care and management most likely to result in patient satisfaction, regardless of modality.