Implementation of Teledermatology: Theory and Practice

Purpose of Review: Multiple factors influence the success and failure of teledermatology programs. We evaluate the current teledermatology literature using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework developed for implementation research. We introduce this framework to encourage a thorough examination of teledermatology’s implementation including its sustainability. In this way, programs can better realize teledermatology’s promise for enhancing patients’ access to expert dermatologic care in real-world healthcare settings. Recent Findings: While teledermatology continues to expand throughout the world, barriers continue to exist. Many evaluations of teledermatology focus on the effectiveness of the programs, without examining other factors that underlie success. The use of implementation science enables researchers to better assess different factors influencing a program’s success or failure. Summary: Implementation science offers theories, frameworks, and methodologies to study and improve teledermatology’s impact.

Duke Scholars

Author George Lee Jackson Population Health Sciences