Efficacy, Perception, and Utilization of Pediatric Teledermatology: A Systematic Review

Authors

Joshua Burshtein, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Morningside-West, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
Maria Gnarra Buethe, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences, University, Brooklyn, New York.
Mondana H. Ghias, Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Amy Buros Stein, Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, Portland, Oregon.
Sharon Glick, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences, University, Brooklyn, New York.
Shoshana Marmon, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences, University, Brooklyn, New York.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

JAAD International

First Page

3

Last Page

11

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2023

Department

Dermatology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of teledermatology abruptly expanded with the arrival of COVID-19. Here, we review recent studies regarding the efficacy, perception, and utilization of telemedicine in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current state of pediatric teledermatology. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the terms "pediatric," "teledermatology," "dermatology," "telemedicine" and "telehealth" in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. 44 articles published between 2008 and 2022 were included. RESULTS: Diagnostic concordance between pediatric teledermatologist and in-person dermatologist ranged from 70.1% to 89%. Conditions treated with pediatric teledermatology were similar to those treated in-person. The rate of in-person follow-up after an initial telemedicine appointment pre and postpandemic was 12% to 51.9% and 13.5% to 28.1%, respectively. Patient satisfaction with teledermatology was between 70% to 98% and provider satisfaction was approximately 95%. The integration of teledermatology can reduce missed appointments and wait times among pediatric patients. However, considerable technological challenges exist, particularly in underserved communities. Globally, teledermatology may expand access to care though limited literature exists regarding its use in pediatric populations. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine is effective for the diagnosis and treatment of many dermatological conditions in children, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Implementation of teledermatology can potentially increase access to care both locally and globally, but obstacles to engagement remain.

Recommended Citation

Burshtein, J., Buethe, M. G., Ghias, M. H., Stein, A. B., Glick, S., & Marmon, S. (2023). Efficacy, Perception, and Utilization of Pediatric Teledermatology: A Systematic Review. JAAD International, 12, 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2023.03.005