Teledermatology expected to reduce waiting time for skin cancer diagnosis
Waiting times for the diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer could be cut with the rollout of teledermatology that takes high spec images of spots, moles or lesions.
According to NHS England, the dermatoscope technology, which consists of a small lens attached to a phone camera, is enabling dermatologists to double the number of patients they can review in a day.
Currently used in about 15 per cent of trusts offering dermatology services, teledermatology is set to be rolled out to all areas of the country by July this year. The use of dermatoscopes is also being expanded across GP practices, which can support people living in more rural communities.
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Over 600,000 people have been referred for skin cancer checks in the last year, which is nine per cent higher than in the previous year and double the number sent for checks almost a decade ago.
As part of plans to reduce waiting times, NHS trusts have been asked to expand the use of teledermatology within community diagnostic centres, meaning people will not need to wait for a face-to-face appointment to have their skin assessed. Instead, they can be referred directly to a diagnostic hub in their local area.
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