Through the lens of teledermoscopy From pixels to patient care

This thesis investigates the role and impact of teledermatology and teledermoscopy within the Dutch healthcare system. Despite their promise to improve collaboration between dermatologists and general practitioners (GPs), these technologies have not been widely adopted, which has hindered their potential to address the growing demand for dermatological care, particularly in light of rising skin cancer rates. The research aims to evaluate the utility of teledermoscopy in clinical decision-making, identify barriers to its adoption, and analyze the variability in teledermoscopy diagnostic outcome studies.
The findings highlight that teledermatology and teledermoscopy significantly improve primary care by aiding GPs in making better referral decisions, reducing unnecessary referrals, and improving diagnostic accuracy. Teledermoscopy has been instrumental in the early detection of skin cancer and enhancing GPs' dermatological knowledge. However, challenges remain, including low-quality clinical data from GPs, particularly poor-quality photos and incomplete medical histories, which hinder diagnostic accuracy and lead to unnecessary referrals.
The thesis emphasizes the need for improved guidelines, training, and standardized protocols to optimize teledermatology’s effectiveness. It advocates for enhancing teledermatology systems with better quality indicators and more structured research to ensure consistent, evidence-based implementation. The research concludes that while teledermatology cannot replace physical consultations, it is a valuable complement that can improve healthcare efficiency and outcomes, contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system. Further research into the integration of teledermatology and teledermoscopy into routine care, alongside better education for healthcare providers, is essential to fully realize their potential.