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Abstract

Diagnostic Reliability of In-Person Versus Remote Dermatology: A Meta-Analysis.


Bastola M, Locatis C, Fontelo P

Telemed J E Health, 2021 Mar; 27(3): 247-250.

Abstract:

Background: Studies comparing teledermatology with in-person dermatologists report wide variations in diagnostic agreement. Teledermatology studies should have two independent in-person consultations establishing a baseline for comparing diagnoses made face-to-face and those made remotely. Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of comparison studies having two in-person dermatologists and at least one remote dermatologist examining the same patients to determine the overall preponderance of agreement. Method: Studies having two in-person diagnosticians were identified from previous teledermatology research reviews and independent searches of PubMed and other databases. Data from six studies identified were meta-analyzed. Results: Some studies showed high levels of diagnostic concordance, while others did not. Meta-analysis revealed that concordance rates reported in the teledermatology and clinical (in-person) consultations were significantly different (odds ratio = 0.55 [Mantel-Haenszel, fixed effect model, 95% confidence interval = 0.42-0.72], χ2 = 11.87, p < 0.05, I2 = 58%). Overall results showed that in-person primary diagnoses are significantly more concordant than remote. The results also suggest that diagnoses made in-person and teledermatology were marginally but significantly different than remote. Conclusion: Although the results of this study suggest teledermatology diagnoses are less reliable than those in-person, there are still valid reasons for using teledermatology to improve access, reduce costs, and triage patients to determine those warranting further in-person consultation and/or laboratory tests. More caution should be exercised in teledermatology when diagnoses involve risky skin conditions. There is evidence that this happens in practice.


Bastola M, Locatis C, Fontelo P. Diagnostic Reliability of In-Person Versus Remote Dermatology: A Meta-Analysis. 
Telemed J E Health, 2021 Mar; 27(3): 247-250.

PMID | PMCID