Teledermatology in New Zealand.
BACKGROUND
Teledermatology is the delivery of specialist dermatological services at a distance. It has become possible because of technological advances in digital imaging and telecommunications. Consultations may be "interactive" using video-conferencing equipment or "store-and-forward" using prerecorded text and images. The best method to deliver teledermatology services is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
Studies were designed to determine (a) if it was possible to diagnose and manage skin diseases using video-conferencing equipment, (b) if teledermatology was acceptable to patients and medical practitioners, and (c) whether it offered any economic advantages. We have also compared interactive and store-and-forward techniques.


METHODS
The trials were conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Telemedicine & Telecare, Queen's University, Belfast, as part of the UK Teledermatology Trials.


RESULTS
The trials have involved more than 300 teledermatology consultations. Having established that a diagnosis can be made in more than two-thirds of the cases, the majority of video consultations have resulted in satisfactory management, with only small numbers of patients requiring face-to-face review. Teledermatology is generally popular with patients and can save them considerable time and money. Routine clinics continue in three centers. We have found that effective store-and-forward teledermatology requires very good images and comprehensive historical referral data.
Oakley
A M
AM
Department of Dermatology, Health Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. oakley@wave.co.nz
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003880:Dermatology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome