A systematic review of satisfaction with teledermatology

Abstract

Background The two most commonly used modalities of teledermatology (TD) are store-and-forward (SF) and live-interactive (LI) TD. Existing studies have not compared these tools with respect to patient and provider satisfaction. Objective To systematically review all published studies of patient and provider satisfaction with SF and LI TD. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies on provider or patient satisfaction with SF or LI TD between January 2000 and June 2016. Results Forty eligible studies were identified: 32 with SF TD, 10 with LI TD, and 2 evaluating both. With SF TD, 96% of studies assessing patient satisfaction and 82% of studies assessing provider satisfaction demonstrated satisfaction ( n = 24 and 17, respectively). With LI TD, 89% of studies assessing patient satisfaction and all studies assessing provider satisfaction revealed satisfaction (n = 9 and 6, respectively). Conclusion Patients and providers are satisfied with both SF and LI TD. Studies assessing satisfaction with LI have not been conducted in recent years, and have only been conducted in limited geographic patient populations. Further research assessing satisfaction with TD will help address any dissatisfaction with its uses and allow for increased support and funding of future programmes.

Live interactive teledermatology compared to in‐person care – a systematic review

“…The shortage of recent studies on patients’ and providers’ satisfaction is additionally emphasized by a review from 2018, which investigated satisfaction with LI and S&F teledermatology applications. This review indicated patients’ and providers’ overall satisfaction with LI and S&F teledermatology but, thereby, did not find many recently published studies . Nowadays, we would expect higher feasibility scores as technology has improved and people are more accustomed to digital progress.…”

“…This review indicated patients' and providers' overall satisfaction with LI and S&F teledermatology but, thereby, did not find many recently published studies. 44 Nowadays, we would expect higher feasibility scores as technology has improved and people are more accustomed to digital progress. More current studies on feasibility are therefore important.…”

Use of Smartphones for Early Detection of Melanoma: Systematic Review (Preprint)

“…For both procedures, a limitation was the loss of the face-to-face patientphysician relationship, which may be critical since a melanoma is diagnosed early, at a severe stage, or in the ageing population [35,40,49,73]. Positive perspectives may improve compliance to referrals and possibilities for the patient to participate actively in his/her health [24].…”

A review of literature supporting the development of practice guidelines for teledermatology in Australia

“…Teledermatology can be cost‐effective or cost minimising when compared to traditional methods of delivering dermatological care . Both patients and providers report high satisfaction with teledermatology …”