Teledermatology: The New Normal?

Modern-day telemedicine could find its roots in the handwritten letters sent back and forth from patient to physician eighteenth nineteenth centuries.1 In recent decades, growth practice of has been fueled by rapid advances field information communication technology.2 The arrival COVID-19 pandemic only served accelerate development utilization. With social distancing guidelines place community quarantine being strictly implemented, people found themselves with limited access hospitals clinics. Thus, many physicians have resorted using provide medical care while mitigating exposure risks for both patients personnel. Recognizing this, Department Health as well University Philippines Manila Medical Informatics Unit issued regarding use telemedicine.3,4 Likewise, Philippine Dermatological Society conducted a series webinars published interim recommendations help guide member dermatologists telemedicine.5
 Teledermatology is defined techniques deliver remote dermatological services (clinical laboratory) located at distance.2 Of various specialties, dermatology particularly well-suited telemedicine, mainly because it highly visually-dependent that relies heavily on images may be easily captured transmitted. can carried out via asynchronous visits (i.e., store-and- forward technologies), synchronous real-time audio or video teleconferencing) hybrid two. 6 Two studies teledermatology done UP-PGH Dermatology thus far. Lansang et al. demonstrated high agreement between face-to-face store-and-forward teledermatology, Carpio did not mobile inferior consultations.7,8
 There are some limitations challenges, however, teledermatology. Virtual consultations do allow dermatologist see, feel, examine patient's skin lesions fully. One also able perform necessary diagnostic procedures such biopsies even therapeutic surgery time consult, which translate into delayed delivery care.9 Both either lack technological devices, difficulty them, encounter issues bandwidth during online “visits.”10 Data privacy security major concern, especially commercial messaging platforms.11 While bills filed develop support country, none these so far passed law.12-13 this writing, there still no specific regulatory framework utilization Philippines.3,5
 Although seems made world smaller limiting our movement, allowed us expand reach see distances farther than we previously could. Indeed, whole new possibilities opened telemedicine. Not used improve clinical continuity care, but education, conduct research, among others.14 Moreover, means address shortage provinces overcoming geographical barriers limit access. Ultimately, hope will improved health reduced costs Filipinos. Even when over shifts regular mode consultation, I believe here stay. A well-established system complement conventional consults, enhance those geographically isolated disadvantaged areas, supplement traditional care.15
 
 Hanna E. Lucero-Orillaza, MD, FPDS DermatologyCollege Medicine General HospitalUniversity Manila
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