Echarri A, Pradera C, Molina G, Gonzalez Moure C, De las Heras C, Fraga Iriso R, Ollero V, Echevarria C, Muñiz J. Implementation of a Teledermatology Electronic Consultation Program to Improve the Care of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Telemed Rep 2024;
5:12-17. [PMID:
38469167 PMCID:
PMC10927239 DOI:
10.1089/tmr.2023.0060]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction
Skin lesions are a common extraintestinal manifestation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although they may also appear as a complication of IBD treatment. Prompt referral to the dermatologist can be very helpful in practice. Teledermatology complements the traditional in-person health care modality, improving access to dermatological care.
Objective
To evaluate the impact of a store-and-forward teledermatology electronic consultation (e-consult) program on the care of IBD patients.
Methods
A retrospective study assessing the outcomes of our teledermatology program over its first 2 years of implementation.
Results
A total of 39 consultations involving 33 patients (69.2% women, mean age 39.6 years [12-63]) were conducted. The mean number of teleconsultations was 2.8 per month in the initial implementation stage: 33 consultations were carried out in patients with Crohn's disease and 6 in ulcerative colitis. Only 18% of the patients had an active flare-up. The most frequent reason for the e-consult was paradoxical psoriasiform lesions (n = 13, 33.3%), commonly related with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (70% of the patients) and hidradenitis suppurativa (n = 4, 10.3%). Resolution was achieved in 87% of patients, with a mean waiting time of 4.7 days (0-14). Almost all patients (97%) were satisfied with our program, and considered the referral through the program to be appropriate (92%). Best valued features were the reduced waiting time and the coordinated approach between the two departments involved.
Conclusions
Dermatology e-consult is an efficient and useful means of optimizing IBD patient care.
Collapse