Teledermatología asincrónica a través de WhatsApp®: experiencia en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

ABSTRACT

Background: In Chile, there is little access to Dermatology outpatient consultations in the public health care system, which has favored the development of tele dermatology (TD). Aim: To assess satisfaction levels of primary care providers with a TD channel via the social networking app WhatsApp® and the concordance between the diagnosis of general practitioners and dermatologists at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Material and Methods: An electronic survey was answered by the general practitioners who participate in the TD channel. In 417 cases, the diagnostic concordance between general practitioners and specialists was assessed. Results: The survey was answered by 84 practitioners. General satisfaction levels with the platform were over 95%. Satisfaction levels with the response speed and the management suggested by the specialist were over 90%. Over 80% of the practitioners read the consultation sent by dermatologists and considered that their dermatological knowledge improved. Diagnostic concordance between practitioners and specialists was 41%. Conclusions: TD via a WhatsApp® group linked to a university is a low cost and easy to implement intervention, generating high levels of satisfaction among general practitioners.