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Synchronous Teledermoscopy in Military Treatment Facilities
William G Day1, Vikas Shrivastava2, John W Roman2
1Internal Medicine Intern, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23708.
Military Medicine
|April 21, 2020
Summary
Synchronous teledermatology using repurposed webcams effectively diagnosed skin conditions in remote military facilities. This approach achieved 100% diagnostic concordance, highlighting its potential for expanding access to dermatologic care.
Area of Science:
- Medical technology
- Dermatology
- Military medicine
Background:
- Increasing demand for dermatologic care in military medicine.
- Shortage of dermatology providers in military treatment facilities (MTFs).
- Growing utility of dermoscopy for various skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of synchronous teledermatology using readily available webcam technology in remote MTFs.
- To assess the diagnostic concordance between on-site and remote dermatologists.
- To explore a novel application of existing technology for teledermatology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synchronous teledermoscopy with repurposed webcam technology (Global Med Cart and Cisco webcam) in a remote naval primary care clinic.
- Two patients with lesions of concern underwent on-site evaluation and dermoscopy by an on-site dermatologist.
- Synchronous teledermatology consultations were conducted with an off-site U.S. Navy dermatologist.
Main Results:
- Successfully completed two synchronous teledermatology consultations.
- Achieved 100% concordance in diagnosis between on-site and teleconsulted dermatologists for all lesions.
- Demonstrated inter-rater agreement between dermatologists at different locations.
Conclusions:
- Synchronous teledermoscopy with repurposed webcam technology is a viable method for delivering dermatologic care in remote MTFs.
- This approach can bridge the gap caused by provider shortages and limited subspecialty access.
- The study highlights a cost-effective and novel application of existing technology to improve patient care.
