SELECT ISSUE
Indexed
HIGHLIGHTS
National Awards “Science and Research”
NEW! RMJ has announced the annually National Award for "Science and Research" for the best scientific articles published throughout the year in the official journal.
Read the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly work in Medical Journals.
The published medical research literature is a global public good. Medical journal editors have a social responsibility to promote global health by publishing, whenever possible, research that furthers health worldwide.
TELEDERMATOLOGY: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
Maria-Magdalena Constantin, Anca Răducan, Elena Poenaru and Traian Constantin
ABSTRACT
Objectives. To assess the concepts of teledermatology (TD), a subspecialty of dermatology and one of the most common applications of telemedicine.
Material and methods. This systematic review, totaling 32 works, is aimed to evaluate the advantages and limitations of teledermatology, which can be delivered in two ways: real-time (synchronous), using videoconference technology, and store-and-forward (SAF) methods (aynchronous), using digital images via internet, a cheaper and more convenient modality for the health care provider.
Results. So far, teledermatology has been implemented in dermoscopy, dermatopathology and chronic wound care. However, other chronic skin disease, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, rosacea and skin cancers can be evaluated and monitored using store-and-forward methods.
Conclusions. In order to develop a teledermatology platform, Romanian dermatology requires specific protocols and equipment for taking and sending photographs. A dermatologist would then review the data using store-andforward method and respond with a diagnosis and therapeutic algorithm.
Keywords: teledermatology, store-and-forward, chronic leg ulcers, psoriasis