Usefulness and economic evaluation of ADSL-based live interactive teledermatology in areas with shortage of dermatologists

作者：Dekio Itaru^*; Hanada Eisuke; Chinuki Yuko; Akaki Tatsuya; Kitani Mitsuhiro; Shiraishi Yuko; Kaneko Sakae; Furumura Minao; Morita Eishin

来源：International Journal of Dermatology, 2010, 49(11): 1272-1275.

DOI：10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04572.x

Background
To overcome the problem of maldistribution of dermatologists in rural areas, live interactive teleconsultation systems are being used in some countries. However, these systems are not in common use because few evaluations on their efficiency and economic viability were reported.
Methods
We constructed an easy-to-use asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)-based live interactive teleconsultation system and conducted 150 trial sessions between two rural hospitals and Shimane University Hospital. The clinical usefulness and economic advantages of this system were evaluated using data obtained from the trials.
Results
The system efficiently captured images at a resolution sufficient for specialized consultations: follicular openings were visible in the images obtained from a distance of 2 m. This system is more advantageous than a conventional clinic if the following condition is fulfilled: y < 6.00 x-3.86 [x, time required for one-way travel (h); y, time required for consultation (h)]. Our two lines in trial fulfilled this condition.
Conclusions
Asymmetric digital subscriber line-based live interactive teleconsultation technology is beneficial in many rural hospitals that do not have a dermatologist.

• 出版日期2010-11