Successful triage of patients referred to a skin lesion clinic using teledermoscopy (IMAGE IT trial)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Teledermatology is a rapidly growing field with studies showing high diagnostic accuracy when compared with face-to-face diagnosis. Teledermoscopy involves the use of epiluminescence microscopy to increase diagnostic accuracy. The utility of teledermoscopy as a triage tool has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To assess teledermoscopy as a triage tool for a hospital skin lesion clinic. METHODS: Patients referred to a dermatology skin lesion clinic were recruited. Digital and dermoscopic photographs were taken of skin lesions of concern and the patients were then seen independently face-to-face by two out of three dermatologists. The digital images were evaluated 4 weeks later, as..