Teledermatology: Canadian dermatologists' practice patterns, perceived challenges, and future recommendations.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Teledermatology use has surged recently, necessitating an understanding of its adoption and impact.
• Canadian dermatologists' perspectives on teledermatology integration remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Canadian dermatologists' and dermatology residents' current teledermatology practices.
• To identify perceived advantages, challenges, and educational needs in teledermatology.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to Canadian dermatologists and dermatology residents.
• The survey collected data on practice patterns, challenges, education, training, and research in teledermatology.

Main Results:

• Most respondents adopted teledermatoogy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with it comprising a small portion of their practice.
• Convenience, access, and safety were key advantages; poor photo quality and diagnostic limitations were major challenges.
• Respondents recommended education on medicolegal aspects and research comparing teledermatology to in-person visits.

Conclusions:

• Teledermatology offers significant benefits in convenience, access, and safety for dermatology care.
• Addressing challenges in image quality and diagnostic capabilities is crucial for optimizing teledermatology.
• Further research and education are needed to enhance the effective and safe implementation of teledermatology.