Abstract
Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires frequent dermatology visits. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) led to a shift in healthcare delivery to telemedicine. Teledermatology can be valuable for HS patients to decrease travel and wait times and improve patient access. However, we hypothesized that people with HS may have concerns or challenges participating in HS due to its frequent occurrence in sensitive or difficult-to-photograph locations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to patients with HS at one academic institution as well as leaders of three patient networks. Results: Survey responses were received from 149 patients. A total of 94.4% were willing to have an online appointment due to COVID-19, and 88.9% were willing to use teledermatology if COVID-19 had not happened. 32.3% of patients reported that they had ever missed an appointment not due to COVID-19. Discussion: Our findings support patient willingness to use teledermatology for treatment and management of their HS.
Highlights
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires frequent dermatology visits
We hypothesized people with HS may have concerns or challenges participating in teledermatology due to the location of HS lesions in body areas that are sensitive or difficult to photograph without assistance
The survey provided possible options for missing appointments other than COVID-19 and the most common responses included: 17 (37.0%) patients who identified that they were not able to leave work/school/duties at home, as well as 17 (37.0%) patients who identified that they were feeling really low/depressed and did not feel like attending their appointment
Summary
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires frequent dermatology visits. Its benefits include reduced wait times and improved access, which support its ongoing use.[1,2] Teledermatology can be valuable for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) who may require maintenance therapy, as well as flare interventions, for the chronic and acute aspects of this inflammatory skin disease, respectively.[3] we hypothesized people with HS may have concerns or challenges participating in teledermatology due to the location of HS lesions in body areas that are sensitive or difficult to photograph without assistance The objective of this survey study was to investigate patients’ perceived challenges and willingness-to-pay for teledermatology as compared to in-person visits for HS management
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