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Implementation of a pediatric provider‐to‐provider store‐and‐forward teledermatology system: Effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability in a pilot study
Author(s) -
Jew Olivia S.,
Murthy Aditi S.,
Danley Kristen,
McMahon Patrick J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/pde.14226
Subject(s) - medicine , teledermatology , specialty , family medicine , primary care , store and forward , medical home , medical record , telemedicine , medline , health care , medical emergency , pediatrics , surgery , computer network , political science , law , computer science , economics , economic growth
Background/Objectives Long wait times for in‐person appointments in pediatric dermatology can lead to delays in specialty care, additional health system touchpoints, patient and family dissatisfaction, poorer outcomes, and increased overall health care costs. Store‐and‐forward teledermatology may address these challenges and improve access to care in pediatric dermatology. Methods We describe a prospective, non‐blinded cohort study with follow‐up surveys conducted from March 1, 2018, to September 20, 2018. The study was conducted at a single center, in primary care and specialist settings. Patients included were <18 years old and received care at one of our affiliated primary care sites. Primary care providers submitted teledermatology consultations through a shared electronic medical record. A board‐certified pediatric dermatologist evaluated each consultation; primary care providers conveyed recommendations to families. Results Forty‐three consultations for patients (23 male, 20 female; median age: 7 years [IQR: 2.4‐12]) were entered by primary care providers. Median time from consult request to dermatologist initiating consult was 12.1 hours [IQR: 1.9‐18.8]; median time to complete consult note was 7 minutes [IQR: 5‐10.5]. Median time from primary care provider initially consulting to conveying teledermatology recommendations to families was 3 days [IQR: 1‐5]. All but one consult (42/43, 98%) were completed in the intended workflow. Follow‐up in‐person visits with pediatric dermatologists occurred with 10/43 (23%) patients. In follow‐up surveys, parents were 83% likely to recommend the service to family and friends. All primary care providers and dermatologists felt the service improved quality of care. Conclusions Provider‐to‐provider teledermatology consultation appears to be a feasible and acceptable method of providing care quickly and effectively to pediatric patients.