Patient-assisted teledermatology practice: what is it? When, where, and how it is applied?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Advances in information technology have enabled new teledermatology models.
• Patient-assisted teledermatology (also known as patient-enabled or home-based teledermatology) is an emerging model.
• There is a limited body of scientific literature and reviews on patient-assisted teledermatology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing studies and surveys on patient-assisted teledermatology.
• To outline the advantages and barriers to the clinical utility of patient-assisted teledermatology.
• To analyze the potential of patient-assisted teledermatology and propose its inclusion in teledermatology classifications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies and surveys on patient-assisted teledermatology.
• Analysis of reported advantages, barriers, and clinical utility.
• Evaluation of the concept's potential and proposed integration into teledermatology models.

Main Results:

• Patient-assisted teledermatology involves patients uploading clinical images or having remote consultations after initial in-person visits.
• This model is particularly suitable for managing chronic dermatological conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and leg ulcers, especially in the elderly.
• Studies confirm the importance and usability of patient-assisted teledermatology, which can also facilitate expert consultations for complex cases.

Conclusions:

• Patient-assisted teledermatology presents a valuable model with demonstrated importance and usability.
• Key advantages include cost and time savings for managing chronic conditions and facilitating expert opinions.
• Barriers to clinical utility need to be addressed, and this model should be considered in revised teledermatology classifications.