Teledermatology

The Teledermatology Service enables GPs to send in photos of skin conditions for specialist advice from Dermatology Consultants. Following review, the service will issue a management plan to the GP or process an onward referral - if this is needed.

  • Dr Andrew Lock is the teledermatology lead

GP guidance on images

Teledermatology Educational Video – Final Version

The Teledermatology service will accept patient images for rashes only. Patient Images of skin lesions such as moles / spots need a dermoscopic view and these will not be accepted. Images will need to be sent to the GP who will be checking the quality of the images and making the referral to the Teledermatology Service.

  • Please ensure that images are clear and well-focussed before sending
  • Please attach images as ‘Large’ size (rather than small or medium if option given)
  • Good lighting is essential (Natural light, if available, usually results in the best photos)
  • Try to take 3 photos –
    1. 1 x locator shot to show as much of the affected area / rash / lesion (from 1-1.5 metres away)
    2. 2 x close ups of the affected areas (from approx. 30cm away)
  • Getting too close to the skin may result in a lack of focus
  • Remember to tap on the smartphone screen to enable autofocus before taking the picture

Chart illustrating how to take good photos for the service

Patient Infomation
Teledermatology-Service.pdf
Teledermatology Service - large print.pdf
Dermatology - How to take good photos of your skin rash.pdf This leaflet is reproduced as an image in the text above but you can download and save here.

Information for GPs

Exclusions

  • Patients who meet the criteria for a two week wait referral
  • Patients whose dermatological condition is causing extreme psychological distress
  • Patients with widespread rashes or severe inflammatory conditions with systemic symptoms/of an urgent nature
  • Patients with a widespread dermatological condition where it is not appropriate/practical to take images
  • Patients with 2 or more lesions for assessment
  • Breast, perianal and genital rashes
  • Patients with existing safeguarding concerns (adults and children/young people)
  • Patients who lack mental capacity to consent, unless the clinician is satisfied that making a teledermatology referral is in the patient’s best interest.

In addition to the main exclusion criteria, we propose the following exclusions apply for children:

  • Images where faces can be identified
  • Known chronic inflammatory skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis)
  • Children with existing safeguarding concerns

Service Contact Details

Homerton University Hospital
Homerton Row
London, E9 6SR
Telephone: 0208 510 7044
Email: w.boafo-addai@nhs.net

GP Confederation
The Lawson Practice
85 Nuttall St
Whitmore Estate
London N1 5HZ
Telephone: 020 7729 7236
Email: veruska.raposo@nhs.net
http://www.cityandhackneygpconfederation.org.uk/

How to refer
Referral by clinician- ON
Referral by GP- ON
Clinician Referral: EMIS Form
E-referral- ON

The service is available on e-RS.
Specialty: Dermatology
Clinic Type: Not Otherwise Specified
Service name: RAS Teledermatology - Main Outpatients Department - Homerton – RQX
Click Search Primary Care

Topics: Dermatology
Search keywords: Teledermatology, Dermatology, Photography

Telederm GP SOP