General practitioners' perceptions of store-and-forward teledermatology

We studied the views of 26 general practitioners (GPs) towards store-and-fo rward teledermatology before its introduction into their practices. A posta l questionnaire was developed using Likert-type questions with respondents able to explain their answers in free text. Questions related to the GPs' k nowledge, perceptions and expectations of teledermatology, as well as their attitudes towards being part of a research trial. Most of the GPs had limi ted prior knowledge of teledermatology. They perceived its role to relate t o quicker access to specialist opinions, decreased referrals, increased con venience for patients, diagnosis, and education and teaching. There was an overwhelming view that any system needed to be quick, easy to use, efficien t and reliable. Concerns were expressed about being part of the clinical tr ial, using new technology and an increased workload. The future of telederm atology was thought to depend on the clinical adequacy of the system.