Feasibility and acceptance of telemedicine for wound care in patients with chronic leg ulcers

Abstract

We examined the feasibility and acceptance of teledermatology for wound management of patients with chronic leg ulcers by home-care nurses. Forty-one chronic leg ulcers of different origin in 14 patients were included. After an initial in-person visit in which leg ulcers were assessed and classified, and underlying diseases noted, follow-up visits were done by home-care nurses. Once a week 1-4 digital images of the wound and surrounding skin and relevant clinical information were transmitted via a secure Website to an expert at the wound care centre. The experts provided an assessment of wound status and therapeutic recommendations. In 89% of the 492 teleconsultations, the quality of images was sufficient or excellent and the experts were confident giving therapeutic recommendations. Treatment modalities were changed or adapted in one-third of the consultations. There was a significant decrease in visits to a general physician or the wound care centre. The acceptance of teledermatology was high in patients, home-care nurses and wound experts. Teledermatology offers great potential for chronic wound care and seems to be accepted both by patients and health-care persons.