Perceptions of Teledermatology among people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Main Article Content

Ashley Eichelberger
Department of Dermatology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Melissa Butt
Department of Dermatology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Colleen Silva
a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:33:"Penn State Hershey Medical Center";}

Aretha Mosley
Department of Dermatology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Joslyn Kirby
Department of Dermatology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Keywords

hidradenitis suppurativa, HS, Acne Inversa, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Telehealth, Teledermatology

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.

References

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2. Latifi R, Doarn CR. Perspective on COVID-19: Finally, Telemedicine at Center Stage. Telemed J E Health. 2020.

3. Shah M, Naik HB, Alhusayen R. Hidradenitis suppurativa: the importance of virtual outpatient care during COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020.

4. Harris PA, Taylor R, Thielke R, Payne J, Gonzalez N, Conde JG. Research electronic data capture (REDCap)--a metadata-driven methodology and workflow process for providing translational research informatics support. J Biomed Inform. 2009;42(2):377-381.

5. Lamel S, Chambers CJ, Ratnarathorn M, Armstrong AW. Impact of Live Interactive Teledermatology on Diagnosis, Disease Management, and Clinical Outcomes. Arch Dermatol. 2012;148(1):61–65.

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Published
Jan 1, 2021
DOI https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.5.1.4

Article Details

How to Cite
Eichelberger, A., Butt, M., Silva, C., Mosley, A., & Kirby, J. (2021). Perceptions of Teledermatology among people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, 5(1), 19–21. https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.5.1.4
Issue
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2021): January Issue & Poster Presentations (WC21 Dermatology Conference®)
Section
Research Letters
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