Profil des patients pris en charge au sein d’un réseau de télé-expertise en dermatologie.

Introduction: Dermatology tele-expertise has been developed in oncology to enable early detection of skin cancers by facilitating access to a remote expert. A private tele-expertise experiment has been underway in the Hauts-de-France region since 2015 to enable faster care for patients presenting with a suspicious skin lesion spotted by the general practitioner during a simple consultation.

Purpose of the research: The aim of the study was to describe the profile of patients referred to tele-expertise and to identify referral times and the care pathways envisaged.

Results: During this period, 1,686 tele-expertise consultations were carried out. The average age of patients was 55 years. Few had a history of skin cancer (8.3%). Demand for tele-expertise has risen steadily since the project was launched. Referral times were reduced (5.32 days) compared with the traditional care pathway, and referrals concerned all types of lesions.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates sustained use of tele-dermatology over five years by GPs, who called on dermatologists for all types of patient profile and all types of lesions, cancerous or otherwise. Feedback from dermatologists is quicker, and dermatological care easier.