Dermatological diagnostic acumen improves with use of a simple telemedicine system for underserved areas of South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Telemedicine holds promise as a tool for improving the delivery of specialty care, especially in underserved regions, including those in South Africa. However, data that demonstrate the extent of its sustainable benefits to referring providers are currently insufficient. This study investigates whether utilization of a teledermatology network enhances the diagnostic acumen of primary care providers (PCPs) in underserved areas of South Africa.

Materials and methods

A longitudinal descriptive pilot study was conducted after establishing a telemedicine network linking University of Cape Town dermatology consultants to six providers from five underserved primary care sites using store-and-forward technology between October 2004 and January 2007. Of 120 total referrals,

SUBMITTER: Colven R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3109076 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature