The Twenty Factors that Made Teledermatology Consultation a Matured Application: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Systematic reviews on various factors that favor teledermatology consultation (TC) are reported. Meta-analysis is available. TC gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the factors may help in planning and implementation of TC. Objective: To identify, classify, and analyze the various factors contributed to the growth of TC. Materials and Methods: The factors that have a positive influence on TC were noted. Seven academic databases (Cochrane, Pub Med, Medline, Science Direct, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were searched with the keyword “TELEDERMATOLOGY.” Systematic review and meta-analysis (1998–2021) investigating on various factors were chosen. However, only feasibility studies were examined and analyzed for those factors (sub-specialty TC application) where nonavailability of systematic review or meta-analysis. They were categorized with respect to factors related to (a) Technology platform, (b) Patient and (c) Physician interaction. They included the diagnostic accuracy and concordance, management accuracy and concordance, measures of time (waiting times, delay to diagnosis, and barriers to implementation, technology tools, patient–physician willingness, and satisfaction). Results: Total 1053 articles were screened. A total of 36 systematic reviews, 3 meta-analyses, and 13 feasibility studies identified twenty factors responsible for the growth and development of TC. There were 17 factors confirmed by systematic review and meta-analysis and 3 factors identified by 13 feasibility studies. Information technology-5 factors, role of dermatologist and patient 11 and 2 factors respectively were identified. COVID-19 pandemic and framing TC guidelines emerged as 2 independent factors. Conclusion: The constellation of twenty factors identified, classified and analyzed, confirms TC is a matured application to deliver dermatology care. Recommendation: Health-care providers and policymakers can consider these factors in planning and implementation.