Teledermatology Versus Usual Care on Delay Before Diagnosis and Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions

Impact of Teledermatology Versus Usual Care on Delay Before Diagnosis and/or Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions in General Practice

In France, there is usually a long delay (approximately 6 weeks) before a general practitioner can obtain a specialized advice by dermatologists for diagnosis of "unusual" dermatologic conditions of their patients.

Previous studies have shown that teledermatology is a reliable way for diagnosis in dermatology.

We hypothesize that a teledermatology advice could reduce delay before diagnosis and therefore treatment for patients.

In France, there is usually a long delay (approximately 6 weeks) before a general practitioner can obtain a specialized advice by dermatologists for diagnosis of "unusual" dermatologic conditions of their patients.

Previous studies have shown that teledermatology is a reliable way for diagnosis in dermatology.

We hypothesize that a teledermatology advice could reduce delay before diagnosis and therefore treatment for patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Consultation with a general practitioner for any motive during which, the general practitioner deems necessary to obtain a dermatologic expertise for a skin lesion (for diagnosis or treatment)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency, assessed by the general practitioner (needs care or quick telephonic advice in the next 24 hours)
• Patients for which diagnosis and/or treatment are known by the general practitioner (the GP needs a dermatologic advice for a specific treatment (for example= laser, instrumental treatment...))
• Patient cannot go the dermatologic consultation by himself (for example: dependant patients...)
• Cognitive or psychiatric impairment (cannot give informed consent)