Smartphone patient monitoring post-laser resurfacing

Patients should be monitored post-laser resurfacing for reassurance and the early detection of adverse events. Smartphone monitoring in the post-laser resurfacing setting is an efficient and convenient tool that is well accepted by patients and dermatologists. The objective was to identify the benefits and barriers of, and patient attitudes towards, smartphone monitoring in the post-laser resurfacing setting.

A retrospective audit of 123 laser resurfacing patients was undertaken to determine the characteristics of this population. A web-based survey was used to determine patients' attitudes towards smartphone monitoring.

The commonest indications for laser resurfacing were acne scarring and photoageing rejuvenation. 88% of patients either had no adverse outcomes or expected post-laser resurfacing side-effects such as erythema. 12% developed adverse effects requiring intervention. The survey showed that all patients who had used the smartphone monitoring service felt it was a positive initiative for post-laser patients. Of note, most patients not using the smartphone review service were simply unaware of its existence. Biases may have been introduced as staff were less likely to promote the review service to patients undergoing lower intensity procedures.

Smartphone monitoring post-laser resurfacing is an efficient and convenient alternative to face-to-face review for both patients and dermatologists. As technology improves and patients' expectations increase we expect more patients will request teledermatology reviews in order to easily and rapidly access medical advice.