Synchronous and asynchronous teledermatology: A narrative review of strengths and limitations.
J Telemed Telecare
; 28(7): 533-538, 2022 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1666542
ABSTRACT
The policy changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic caused synchronous models (primarily video visits) to supplant asynchronous models (store-and-forward or shared digital photographs) as the default and predominant modality of teledermatology care. Here, we call attention to the unique strengths and limitations of these models in terms of clinical utility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Strengths of synchronous visits include direct physician-patient interaction and current reimbursement parity; limitations include variable video image quality, technological difficulties, and accessibility barriers. Strengths of asynchronous visits include greater convenience, especially for clinicians, and potential for image quality superior to video; limitations include less direct physician-patient communication, barriers to follow-up, and limited reimbursement. Both synchronous and asynchronous models have been shown to be cost-effective. Teledermatology is positioned to play a prominent role in patient care post-pandemic. Moving forward, dermatologists are challenged to optimize teledermatology use in order to improve outcomes, efficiency, and workflows to meet diverse patient needs. Future directions will depend on sustainable reimbursement of both teledermatology formats by government and private payers.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Skin Diseases
/
Telemedicine
/
Dermatology
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Telemed Telecare
Journal subject:
Medical Informatics
/
Health Services
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
1357633X221074504
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