The National Psoriasis Foundation Telemedicine Task Force released new guidance for the management of psoriasis through teledermatology, according to a report from The American Journal of Managed Care. Previous studies have shown that collaborative and efficient teledermatology models may improve psoriasis severity and extent compared to in-person visits. The task force explained that since the COVID-19 pandemic—where its use among dermatologists increased from under 15% to over 95%—teledermatology has proven effective in ensuring the continuity of care and improving access to dermatologic care. This can be especially beneficial for patients with psoriasis who have restricted access to medical facilities, such as those who are receiving care at psychiatric institutions or are imprisoned. The task force also highlighted that physicians who utilize teledermatology can determine patients’ psoriasis severity by using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores, live video images, and photos provided by their patients. Further, online training videos could potentially be used to aid patients in self-assessing their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and the body surface area that has been affected by psoriasis. However, the investigators stressed that teledermatology is not a direct replacement for in-person care.
Highlights of the new guidelines include:
- Teledermatology may be an alternative for some patients requiring long-term care.
- Teledermatology should not replace in-person care, which patients should still be guaranteed access to.
- Researchers should determine how current virtual evaluation tools may inform which form of teledermatology may be the most appropriate for patients.
- The development of better technology—such as image capturing and developing best practices to emulate in-person appointments—may allow for greater applicability and utility of teledermatology.
- Teledermatology may allow for collaboration between experienced dermatologists, primary care physicians, and community dermatologists who may not be up-to-date on newer systemic treatments for patients with psoriasis.