학술논문

Paediatric dermatology teleconsultations: a survey of healthcare professionals in the UK.
Document Type
Article
Source
Clinical & Experimental Dermatology. Jul2023, Vol. 48 Issue 7, p785-789. 5p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 1 Graph.
Subject
*PEDIATRIC dermatology
*MEDICAL personnel
*DIGITAL technology
*DERMATOLOGISTS
*COVID-19 pandemic
Language
ISSN
0307-6938
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted dermatology services into a digital era, with the rapid introduction of teleconsultations. The UK National Health Service operational planning guidance recommends ≥ 25% of consultations are delivered remotely. There is a lack of data regarding the acceptability and effectiveness of paediatric dermatology teleconsultations. We surveyed UK healthcare professionals (HCPs) to explore their experiences of teleconsultations in paediatric dermatology, with a focus on follow-up consultations for paediatric eczema (PE), to inform a future clinical trial. There were 119 responses. Pre-pandemic, 37% provided some form of teleconsultation service, rising to 92% post-pandemic. In total, 41% (n = 49) now carry out > 25% of consultations remotely. We found 55% felt teleconsultations were less effective than face-to-face ones for PE follow-up. Eighty HCPs offered teleconsultations for PE. Among the HPCs who offered teleconsultations for PE, the most effective format for follow-up consultations was felt to be telephone with photographs (52/80, 65%). Our results demonstrate varying opinion on the effectiveness and optimal format of paediatric teleconsultations, supporting the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]