[Successful regional teledermatological and teledermatoscopic triage networking between general practitioners and...

There is an increasing need by general practitioners (GPs) for consultations regarding skin diseases or skin lesions. Teledermatological and teledermoscopic diagnoses are possible with good results.

This descriptive study analyzed whether the increasing need for dermatological consultations could be improved by regional teledermatological and teledermoscopic triage between GPs and dermatologists.

Via an internet platform, six GPs sent images of unclear skin diseases or skin lesions to a dermatology practice (2 dermatologists) over a period of 9 months. Possible triage answers were (1) stay at the GP, (2) urgent consultation at the dermatologist (days), or (3) later (week/months) consultation at the dermatologist, respectively, with the diagnosis and therapeutic suggestions. A feedback (grade 1-6) were given by the dermatologists about the image quality and from the GPs about the appraisal. The dermatologists' appraisals were done independently and were audited by a third dermatologist.

The patients' acceptance was 100% and a very good to good image quality was achieved in 94%; 66.3% of patients could stay at their GP and 20.7% of patients should come urgently to the dermatologist. The teletriage decisions of an urgent consultation at the dermatologist were confirmed in 41.5%. The GPs' feedback about the teletriage appraisal received an overall average grade of 1.1.

Successful regional teledermatological and teledermoscopic triage between GPs and dermatologists is possible. Specifications on data privacy laws must be followed and an appropriate remuneration is preferable.