Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology practices: Results of a web-based, global survey

Abstract

Highlights This web-based, global survey of dermatologists showed a decrease in in-person consultations, hospital service, and procedures, a 3-fold increase in teledermatology use, and a shortage in PPE in the healthcare system. The number of COVID-19 cases in participant’s country was the most important prognostic factor of future teledermatology use. The pandemic had immediate impact on dermatology practice, and appears to have contributed to increased teledermatology use in the long-run.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Teledermatology

“…Across 12 dermatology clinics affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, most visits were scheduled live telephone calls where providers conversed with patients while viewing photographs uploaded in advance; asynchronous telemedicine visits comprised a minority (1 in 5) of all visits during April 2020. Potential advantages of asynchronous visits were the convenience of providers and patients operating on their own schedules ( 35 ). Similarly, the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine concluded that a hybrid between SAF and video proved most effective, using SAF prior to scheduled video calls to expedite visits ( 36 ).…”

“…With COVID-19, SAF proved especially helpful with patients with stable chronic diseases and/or longer-term medications (e.g. patients doing well and simply needing refills) ( 35 ). SAF was also useful in recognizing certain common diagnoses: acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, and rosacea.…”

“…This pivot to teledermatology directly helped mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by decreasing the risk of exposure of patients and staff ( 18 ). Evidence shows that within the inpatient setting, use of teledermatology, when compared to in-person dermatology visits, saved PPE and decreased unnecessary exposure to patients and health care professionals ( 35 ). One study also found that newly implemented COVID-19 teledermatology algorithms allowed for most effective triaging and preparation for in the event that it may necessitate an in-person visit, increasing efficiency of practice ( 22 , 37 ).…”

“…Residency programs were also able to institute teledermatology into resident education ( 37 ), which further ameliorated the concern of exposure. Additionally, the implementation of teledermatology resulted in improved efficiency ( 37 ); practices and health systems found that they were able to better prepare in advance for procedures and triage patients, thus saving both time and money while continuing follow-ups with established patients ( 35 ). The increased use of teledermatology may open up spots to patients who require in-person visits and increase the efficiency of daily practice.…”

Teledermatology Before, During, and After Covid-19: A Vital Tool to Improve Access and Equity in Specialty Care

“…Across 12 clinics affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, SAF asynchronous teledermatology accounted for 1 in 5 of all dermatology visits in April 2020 [48]. A web-based, global survey found that the use of teledermatology increased three-fold during the pandemic (26.1% vs. 75.2%), and that more than two thirds of respondents (68.6%) expect to continue teledermatology use in the future [49]. Unfortunately, many of the policy changes ensuring broad coverage for telehealth services covered under the pandemic are temporary, expanding only to the end of the public health emergency.…”