Skin cancer is the most common cancer in England [1]. In 2019/20 there were 3 million outpatient appointments in dermatology in England in the year to April 2022 and dermatology services receive more urgent referrals for suspected cancer than any other speciality [2].
During 2022/23, Health Innovation East were commissioned to carry out an independent review of how teledermatology platforms have been implemented and used in the East of England to date. An independent baseline review was also conducted with Integrated Care Systems.
Teledermatology refers to the use of static digital images to triage, diagnose, monitor or assess skin conditions without the patient being physically present, to exchange medical information. Teledermatology services cross-systems can support service transformation, elective recovery, access to high quality care and reduce waiting times.
To collate information on the various teledermatology platforms, technologies and service models in place in order to support considerations for planning, development and commissioning of teledermatology services in the East of England.
Our collaboration with the East of England Cancer Alliances produced a review of teledermatology pathways in the East of England, including considerations for planning and commissioning. The reviews findings consider improvements of system efficiencies and cost effectiveness. It also offers a series of recommendations around staff experience, patient experience, health outcomes and health inequalities.
Access NHS England’s updated teledermatology roadmap.
The infographic linked in this section provides considerations for the planning and commissioning of teledermatology platforms in the East of England. The infographic should be read in conjunction with the project summary report (linked above).
Considerations for planning and commissioning teledermatology platforms.
For more information please contact Ben Jackson, Advisor, at ben.jackson@healthinnovationeast.co.uk
[2] NHS Teledermatology Roadmap – outpatient recovery and transformation platform. June 2023 [accessed 3 July 2023]
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