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Sharing on a screen is a normal part of life for 21st century children, although privacy and security still matter.
A teledermatology appointment for children can lead to a real world visit. A proportion of cases will however be treated immediately, others diagnosed and contact is maintained with existing patients.
Access via video link brings benefits at most stages, not least during the Covid-19 pandemic and is a patient friendly approach. There is no need for technology beyond the facilities most homes have in place.
Teledermatology procedure is not so different from a video call with family, or friends. We do make sure that additional care is given to security and any information shared is treated with a medical level of confidentiality.
Individual wishes on privacy are taken into account, for an appointment that is yours, in the same way a visit to our clinic would be. A video consultation is also suited to a range of conditions.
Technology & Dermatology
Derematological care has benefited more than most fields from recent advances, including digital imagery. Mole mapping is a well known example, although other diagnostic tools such as dermoscopy, or confocal microscopy use a digital approach.
Our consultants are used to this medium and understand when more is required. Conditions such as rashes, acne, or birthmarks are well suited to remote consultation, whereas others such as pigmented lesions are more likely to warrant a visit.
Considerable research has gone into teledermatology in recent times, including studies on paediatric care. Along with the consultant’s experience, this has helped to establish the type of conditions which are diagnosed accurately using a video link.
The approach has been in use for some while and is well understood, with professional bodies reviewing procedures and producing detailed guidelines. Wider adoption is simply a result of social distancing needs from the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Practical Solution
Teledermatology consultations are accepted by most medical insurance companies, including for paediatric care. With skin conditions such a common part of childhood illness, patient access is vital.
Insurers and the wider medical profession recognise that dermatology deals with a part of the body that is visible. This could be a wound on the skin, dermatitis, verrucas, or much more but all can be seen.
Where more subtle symptoms need to be assessed, or treatment provided in person, a video link has still acted as a valuable triage tool. Well prepared appointments at our clinic can be made promptly.
Patients of all ages have taken quite well to video consultations and for many children, this is a normal means of communication. They are no more phased by the approach than a physical appointment, perhaps less so.
Family members can be involved where this suits, our consultants are comfortable with video. Neither is there any need to set aside the approach paediatric dermatology staff adopt to ensure children are content with their visit.
Rather than a disadvantage, a teledermatology appointment should be a positive experience for a child and an effective way to support their health. By all means get in touch to arrange a video consultation.