What is the Digital Dermatology Pathway? 

What is the Digital Dermatology Pathway? 

Case studies show that the inclusion of quality images as part of the referral to secondary care provides enhanced patient journeys and outcomes.

The future dermatology pathway will include capturing a series of triage-quality digital images of a patient’s skin concern at the point of referral within primary care.

These images are then securely transferred, as part of the patient referral, to dermatology services.

The use of digital images as part of the referral enables, where clinically appropriate, senior dermatology decision-makers to triage, diagnose and assess skin conditions without the patient being physically present.

What happens after a referral has been triaged? 

Once a dermatologist has reviewed the images and referral, patients may be:

• Discharged from the dermatology service with advice on how to treat their skin concern.
• Directed to a more suitable service for their skin concern, i.e. acne clinic.
• Offered a face-to-face outpatient appointment at a dermatology clinic.

What is the benefit of image capture at the point of referral? 

The use of triage-quality images as standard practice will provide all dermatologists with the ability to carry out robust referral triage that will:

• enable clinicians to make a decision on whether s require a face-to-face appointment,
• ensure that the most urgent cases can be prioritised,
• reduce waiting times for specialist treatment, and
• provide quicker reassurance and advice for those who do not require a face-to-face appointment.

The introduction of image capture at the point of referral using digital technologies can improve productivity whilst still providing the same level of access to high-quality care, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Is patient data safe? 

Patient data is shared securely between primary care practitioner(s) and specialist dermatology services in line with General Data Protection Regulations.

Images of patient’s skin concerns will never be stored on mobile phone devices in primary care.