Efficient triage and improved patient care: Five years of teledermatology in Styria

To improve dermatological care in underserved rural regions, the "Teledermatology in Styria" project launched on January 1^st, 2020. General practitioners (GP) were digitally connected with dermatologists (DERM), supported by Styrian Health Fund, Styrian Medical Association, Austrian Health Insurance Fund Styria, Universities' Department of Dermatology, and e-derm-consult GesmbH.

GPs submit clinical information and images (clinical, dermoscopic) of patient's skin conditions, via a "store-and-forward" service to DERM, who responded with diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The descriptive statistical analysis covered cases from five years without reference region and assessed patient and doctor acceptance through questionnaires.

From 5,119 cases DERM changed GPs diagnosis in 51%, no diagnosis was provided by GPs in 23% and only in 25% DERM confirmed GPs diagnosis. While 19% of all cases required no therapy, most cases (61%) were managed by their GPs following teledermatological consultation. Referrals included 12% routine dermatological appointments, 3% urgent appointments, and 2% hospital visits. The case spectrum covered all dermato-venereological conditions, with only 34% neoplasms. Patient satisfaction exceeded 95%, based on 692 returned questionnaires.

Only 17% of patients required additional dermatological examination after teledermatology. The months faster diagnosis and the high level of patient satisfaction highlight the benefits of teledermatological consultations.