PRELIMINARY-RESULTS FROM THE NORTHERN-IRELAND ARMS OF THE UK MULTICENTER TELEDERMATOLOGY TRIAL - IS CLINICAL MANAGEMENT BY REALTIME TELEDERMATOLOGY POSSIBLE

Results from phase 1 of the UK Multicentre Teledermatology Trial demon strated the diagnostic accuracy of realtime teledermatology using low- cost equipment. Phase 2 of the trial aimed to assess its effectiveness as a management tool for dermatological disease. Teledermatology cons ultations were organized between two health centres and two hospitals in Northern Ireland using low-cost videoconferencing equipment. For 20 5 patients seen by a dermatologist over the video-link a diagnosis and management plan were recorded. A subsequent face-to-face consultation was arranged on the same day to confirm the diagnosis and treatment r egime. A comparison of these management plans revealed that the same p lan was recommended in 64% of cases; the teledermatologist was unable to advocate a suitable management plan in 19% of cases; a suboptimal t reatment plan was suggested by the teledermatologist in 6% of cases; a nd in 11% of cases, the teledermatologist suggested an inappropriate t reatment plan. These findings indicate that appropriate clinical manag ement was possible in approximately two-thirds of dermatology consulta tions via the video-link.