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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
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Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging
Published on: May 5, 2011
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Time from Diagnostic Suspicion to In-Person Evaluation in Skin Cancer Using Teledermatology
José Luis Gatica1, Diego Aragón-Caqueo2, Héctor Fuenzalida3
1Teledermatology Cell, Digital Hospital, Chilean Ministry of Health, Santiago, Chile.
Summary
Teledermatology (TD) optimizes skin cancer referrals but waiting times in Chile
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Early skin cancer diagnosis is vital for patient outcomes.
- Teledermatology (TD) can streamline referrals and reduce patient wait times.
- Chile's public healthcare system utilizes a TD platform for dermatology consultations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess waiting times within the Chilean TD platform for suspected skin malignancies.
- To identify critical referral nodes and evaluate delays in the patient pathway.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study of asynchronous teleconsultations.
- Analysis of data from January 1 to June 30, 2022, on the Chilean Ministry of Health's TD platform.
- Focus on teleconsultations raising suspicion for skin malignancy.
Main Results:
- 1,853 of 20,522 teleconsultations suspected skin cancer.
- Average TD diagnostic suggestion time was 3.98 days.
- Overall referral time averaged 75.98 days, with significant regional variations.
Conclusions:
- Teledermatology effectively optimizes referrals for suspected skin cancer in Chile.
- Referral waiting times exceed international standards, necessitating system improvements.
- Standardized protocols and explicit deadlines are crucial to address regional disparities and reduce delays.
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