4 February 2022
An independent evaluation has shown a remote dermatology service tested on the Isle of Wight (IOW) speeds up skin cancer diagnosis.
Teledermatology involves taking high resolution photos via a mobile phone with an attached dermatoscope. Specialist software called Dermicus, installed on a smartphone, rapidly shares images of skin lesions between GPs and dermatologists (skin experts).
All GP practices on the Island used the teledermatology platform to photograph and send images of patients’ suspicious skin abnormalities to a dermatologist. Images were sent securely via a digital platform for review, diagnosis and referral for treatment where necessary.
Dr Richard Ashton, consultant dermatologist, The Lighthouse Clinic, Isle of Wight said,
“The Isle of Wight has the oldest population in the UK, where the average age is 47 years. Also with more people participating in outdoor activities without adequate sun protection there is a greater risk of skin cancers putting pressure on dermatology services. The IOW dermatology department has a short waiting list (around 6 weeks or less) to get these removed. This is due to the Dermicus app which has allowed skin cancers to be rapidly identified and booked for surgical removal. The quality of the image is good enough to allow the dermatologist to make a robust diagnosis to triage patients to treatment referred by GPs.”
The report by Wessex Academic Health Science Network found reductions in waiting times for patients to have their skin problem examined and treatment recommended, from a typical 10 or more days to less than a day. Report authors estimated that this is likely to reduce outpatient appointments by 63%. This prevents patients on the IOW travelling unnecessarily to the mainland for hospital appointments, if no specialist treatment is needed.
Dr David Isaac, Wessex Cancer Alliance Macmillan GP and Primary Care Cancer Lead said,
“We have been very fortunate to have launched this service during such challenging times. It has meant that our patients with suspected cancer have been able to access expert opinion very rapidly despite the challenges of the pandemic. They can be assessed, seen and treated or reassured with minimal delay. Before this service some patients might have been waiting for a few weeks, now in many cases we have an opinion and management plan within a matter of hours.”
92% of patients who responded to a questionnaire were happy with the new service, with many saying the service was “quick” and “excellent". It was also of particular benefit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some patients want to retain the option of seeing the specialist in person.
The NHS 2022/23 Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance supports the use of teledermatology as a vital new service to ensure sufficient diagnostic and treatment capacity to meet recovering levels of demand following Covid-19.
This teledermatology project was shortlisted for a national HSJ Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to healthcare. It was selected based on its ambition, visionary spirit, and the demonstrable positive impact that the project had on patient and staff experiences within the health sector.
Special thanks to the IOW NHS Trust patients and staff, Lighthouse Medical Limited, Hampshire, Southampton and IOW Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Gnosco AB, for their participation in, and support of, this evaluation report.
News archive
For more info, contact the communications team:
(023) 8202 0858