ABSTRACT
Background: The use of teledermatology abruptly expanded with the arrival of COVID-19. Here, we review recent studies regarding the efficacy, perception, and utilization of telemedicine in the pediatric population. Objective: To evaluate the current state of pediatric teledermatology. Methods: A literature search was performed using the terms "pediatric," "teledermatology," "dermatology," "telemedicine" and "telehealth" in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. 44 articles published between 2008 and 2022 were included. Results: Diagnostic concordance between pediatric teledermatologist and in-person dermatologist ranged from 70.1% to 89%. Conditions treated with pediatric teledermatology were similar to those treated in-person. The rate of in-person follow-up after an initial telemedicine appointment pre and postpandemic was 12% to 51.9% and 13.5% to 28.1%, respectively. Patient satisfaction with teledermatology was between 70% to 98% and provider satisfaction was approximately 95%. The integration of teledermatology can reduce missed appointments and wait times among pediatric patients. However, considerable technological challenges exist, particularly in underserved communities. Globally, teledermatology may expand access to care though limited literature exists regarding its use in pediatric populations. Conclusion: Telemedicine is effective for the diagnosis and treatment of many dermatological conditions in children, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Implementation of teledermatology can potentially increase access to care both locally and globally, but obstacles to engagement remain.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increasing shift toward the utilization of telehealth services. There are limited data on patient preferences for these services in dermatologic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient preferences regarding telehealth in dermatologic surgery for pre- and postsurgical care. METHODS: A survey was administered to patients in an academic dermatology practice. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-four patients participated. An in-person presurgical consultation was preferred by 62.1%, and a postsurgical in-person visit was preferred by 67.7%. The most commonly cited reason was desire for physical interaction with their surgeon. For each 10-year increase in age, there was a 1.26-fold and 1.12-fold increase in preference for in-person consultation and follow-up, respectively. Eighty-seven percent felt safe during office visit, and 41% reported no anxiety regarding fear of contracting COVID-19. The proportion of patients preferring in-person pre- or postsurgical visits was similar regardless of sex, presence of an immunocompromising condition, prior dermatologic surgery, anxiety level for contracting COVID-19, and perceived level of office safety. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients prefer in-person visits for pre- and postsurgical care. Older patients have a greater preference for in-person care. Anxiety level regarding COVID-19 and perceived level of office safety were not related to preference for in-person visits.