Faculty Collaboration Database

Perceptions of telehealth among inpatient consultative dermatology providers and practice patterns during COVID-19. Arch Dermatol Res 2023 Oct;315(8):2449-2451

Date

05/15/2023

Pubmed ID

37184600

Pubmed Central ID

PMC10184090

DOI

10.1007/s00403-023-02637-y

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85159377199 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

Use of inpatient teledermatology increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed the Society for Dermatology Hospitalists to better characterize the impact of COVID-19 on teledermatology use by inpatient dermatology providers, particularly on provider perceptions of teledermatology. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 40% (8/20) of surveyed providers had used telehealth at their institution to help perform inpatient consults, while 90% (18/20) adapted use of teledermatology during the pandemic. 80% (16/20) reported that their opinion of teledermatology changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the vast majority (87.5%, 14/16) reporting having a more positive opinion. Benefits of teledermatology included efficiency, ability to increase access safely, and ability for clinicians to focus on complex cases. Some providers expressed concerns over the potential implications regarding the perception of dermatology within medicine, limitations of inadequate photos, and breakdowns in communication with consulting teams and patients. Robust algorithms and or utilization criteria of teledermatology may help to mitigate risk, while increasing access to inpatient dermatologic evaluation.

Author List

Zheng L, Guggina LM, Zhou XA, Wanat KA, Brieva JC, Trinidad JC, Nguyen CV

Author

Karolyn A. Wanat MD Chair, Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Dermatology
Humans
Inpatients
Pandemics
Skin Diseases
Telemedicine