A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future
Background: Telemedicine is usually considered a provision of health-care services, where distances are a critical factor. WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging app used worldwide, which incorporates encrypted text/voice/video-based communication making it ideal for dermatology consults in the cu...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Clinical Dermatology Review |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.cdriadvlkn.org/article.asp?issn=2542-551X;year=2023;volume=7;issue=1;spage=24;epage=30;aulast=Bhatia |
| _version_ | 1797775286461267968 |
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| author | Shibani Bhatia Shivam Goyal Sathish Pai Ballambat Kanthilatha Pai Madhavi Pai |
| author_facet | Shibani Bhatia Shivam Goyal Sathish Pai Ballambat Kanthilatha Pai Madhavi Pai |
| author_sort | Shibani Bhatia |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Telemedicine is usually considered a provision of health-care services, where distances are a critical factor. WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging app used worldwide, which incorporates encrypted text/voice/video-based communication making it ideal for dermatology consults in the current situation. Objectives: The aim of the study was to do a retrospective analysis of new and follow-up patients seen through teledermatology (TD) using WhatsApp and telemedicine platform as a communication tool during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of new and follow-up patients seen through teledermatology during the lockdown was done. The teleconsultation was provided through WhatsApp and telemedicine platform. Consent was sought, and a detailed history was obtained through messaging and by call. Clinical pictures sent by WhatsApp were analyzed, and a diagnosis was made by correlating the history and image findings. Treatment was individualized for each patient, and a teleprescription was sent as per the guidelines provided by the health-care regulators. Results: This study retrospectively analyzed the usefulness of WhatsApp-based teleconsultations for 60 patients comprising 32 new and 28 follow-up cases during the lockdown. The conditions ranged from various forms of dermatitis, papulosquamous disorders, and autoimmune blistering disorders to cutaneous infections. Conclusion: Diagnosis could be made in all 60 patients. Positive patient perception and prognosis, with decreased financial liabilities were noticed. WhatsApp provides a way to move forward in these uncertain times. Specific guidelines on TD have to be inculcated in routine practice. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T22:33:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-67264a88ebb84db38ba7bb95aed4cf8b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2542-551X 2542-5528 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T22:33:30Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Clinical Dermatology Review |
| spelling | doaj.art-67264a88ebb84db38ba7bb95aed4cf8b2023-07-21T14:34:00ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsClinical Dermatology Review2542-551X2542-55282023-01-0171243010.4103/cdr.cdr_21_22A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in futureShibani BhatiaShivam GoyalSathish Pai BallambatKanthilatha PaiMadhavi PaiBackground: Telemedicine is usually considered a provision of health-care services, where distances are a critical factor. WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging app used worldwide, which incorporates encrypted text/voice/video-based communication making it ideal for dermatology consults in the current situation. Objectives: The aim of the study was to do a retrospective analysis of new and follow-up patients seen through teledermatology (TD) using WhatsApp and telemedicine platform as a communication tool during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of new and follow-up patients seen through teledermatology during the lockdown was done. The teleconsultation was provided through WhatsApp and telemedicine platform. Consent was sought, and a detailed history was obtained through messaging and by call. Clinical pictures sent by WhatsApp were analyzed, and a diagnosis was made by correlating the history and image findings. Treatment was individualized for each patient, and a teleprescription was sent as per the guidelines provided by the health-care regulators. Results: This study retrospectively analyzed the usefulness of WhatsApp-based teleconsultations for 60 patients comprising 32 new and 28 follow-up cases during the lockdown. The conditions ranged from various forms of dermatitis, papulosquamous disorders, and autoimmune blistering disorders to cutaneous infections. Conclusion: Diagnosis could be made in all 60 patients. Positive patient perception and prognosis, with decreased financial liabilities were noticed. WhatsApp provides a way to move forward in these uncertain times. Specific guidelines on TD have to be inculcated in routine practice.http://www.cdriadvlkn.org/article.asp?issn=2542-551X;year=2023;volume=7;issue=1;spage=24;epage=30;aulast=Bhatiaconsultationcovid-19 pandemicsmartphoneteledermatologywhatsapp |
| spellingShingle | Shibani Bhatia Shivam Goyal Sathish Pai Ballambat Kanthilatha Pai Madhavi Pai A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future Clinical Dermatology Review consultation covid-19 pandemic smartphone teledermatology |
| title | A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| title_full | A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| title_fullStr | A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| title_full_unstemmed | A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| title_short | A retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology: A need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| title_sort | retrospective analysis of whatsapp as a mode of teledermatology a need of the present bringing in a newer consultation mode in future |
| topic | consultation covid-19 pandemic smartphone teledermatology |
| url | http://www.cdriadvlkn.org/article.asp?issn=2542-551X;year=2023;volume=7;issue=1;spage=24;epage=30;aulast=Bhatia |
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