PCDS Teledermatology Positioning Statement

ARTICLE DATE: Jun 02, 2021

Telemedicine is an innovative and rapidly evolving method of managing patients with dermatological problems. Used appropriately it can improve the co-ordination of patient care and communication between medical specialties. It should also ensure that patients are seen at the right time and place by an appropriately accredited dermatologist or GPwER.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rapid increase in the use of teledermatology nationally by necessity and never has it been such an important tool. It also allows patients to be managed remotely, minimizing the risk of harm by reducing possible exposure to COVID19.

The Primary Care Dermatology Society supports the appropriate use of telemedicine as a means of improving access to provide high-quality, high-value, COVID safe, patient care.

However, it is essential that when setting up and delivering a teledermatology service it should conform to the published teledermatology standards.

The clinician should also adhere fully to the GMC Good Medical Practice Guidance and where possible should also be NICE compliant.

It is not in our remit to recommend a commercial or NHS platform including smart phone apps to provide teledermatology. However, we would recommend that the platform and apps chosen allow teledermatology to be provided in a way that it adheres fully to the quality standards.

As this is an area of dermatology where innovation is rapidly evolving and patient care is in a state of constant change due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, Practitioners are advised that they must keep themselves informed of changes on an ongoing basis.


Reference guidance

PCDS Teledermatology Positioning Statement

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