Mobile teledermatology: a feasibility study of 58 subjects using mobile phones.
We investigated the diagnostic agreement between teledermatology based on images from a mobile phone camera and face-to-face (FTF) dermatology. Diagnostic agreement was assessed for two teledermatologists (TD) in comparison with FTF consultations in 58 subjects. In almost three-quarters of the cases (TD1: 71%; TD2: 76%), the telediagnosis was fully concordant with the FTF diagnosis. Furthermore, the diagnosed diseases were almost all in the same diagnostic category (TD1: 97%; TD2: 90%). If mobile teledermatology had been used for remote triage, TD1 could have treated 53% subjects remotely and 47% subjects would have had to consult a dermatologist FTF. TD2 could have treated 59% subjects remotely, whereas 41% subjects would have had to consult a dermatologist FTF. Forty-eight subjects responded to a questionnaire, of whom only 10 had any concerns regarding teledermatology. Thirty-one subjects stated that they would be willing to pay to use a similar service in future and suggested an amount ranging from euro5 to euro50 per consultation (mean euro22) (euro = pound0.7, US $1.4). These results are encouraging as patient acceptance and reimbursement represent potential obstacles to the implementation of telemedicine services.
Ebner
Christoph
C
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Wurm
Elisabeth Mt
EM
Binder
Barbara
B
Kittler
Harald
H
Lozzi
Gian Piero
GP
Massone
Cesare
C
Gabler
Gerald
G
Hofmann-Wellenhof
Rainer
R
Soyer
H Peter
HP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040421:Cell Phone; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010808:Physical Examination; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*