Inpatient teledermatology: Diagnostic and therapeutic concordance among a hospitalist, dermatologist, and teledermatologist using store-and-forward teledermatology - 14/04/20
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Abstract |
Background |
Inpatient dermatology has been shown to improve patient outcomes at a reduced cost. Few hospitals have dermatologists available. Teledermatology may allow dermatologists to assess hospitalized patients remotely.
Objective |
To examine the diagnostic concordance between a hospitalist, dermatologist, and teledermatologist using store-and-forward teledermatology.
Methods |
For 100 consecutive patients requiring inpatient dermatology consultation, a survey was conducted by all 3 raters to convey diagnostic impressions and therapeutic recommendations. Complete and partial agreements were assessed using the Cohen kappa statistic.
Results |
Inpatient dermatology consultation often resulted in a change in diagnosis (50.9%) and a change in systemic therapy (41.5%). Likewise, virtual teledermatology consultation would have resulted in a change in diagnosis (54.7%) and a change in systemic therapy (47.2%) at similar rates. Comparing the dermatologist and teledermatologists, diagnostic complete and partial agreement were 52.8% and 84.9%, respectively. Systemic therapy agreement was 77.4%. Teledermatologists recommended biopsy more often (68.5% vs 43.5%).
Limitations |
Small sample size, tertiary academic medical center, single rater for inpatient teledermatology with specific inpatient niche.
Conclusion |
Teledermatologists performed comparably to an in-person dermatologist for the diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with skin conditions. Teledermatology may be a suitable alternative for delivery of inpatient care if no dermatologist is available.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : agreement, concordance, dermatology, inpatient, teledermatology, telehealth, telemedicine
Plan
Funding sources: None. |
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Conflicts of interest: None disclosed. |
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IRB approval status: Reviewed and approved by the Oregon Health & Science University IRB (17365). |
Vol 82 - N° 5
P. 1262-1267 - mai 2020 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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