The UK’s most used Teledermatology Platform

Published: 16th May 2023
What's the impact of using Consultant Connect for teledermatology? This article shares key stats, user feedback, pathway examples and more...
Impact of using Consultant Connect for Teledermatology

The UK’s most used Teledermatology platform

The Consultant Connect service is the UK’s most widely used Enhanced Advice & Guidance system, connecting healthcare professionals and patients across the NHS.

Covering over half of the NHS across England, Scotland and Wales, clinicians use the Consultant Connect App or platform to take, store and forward photos and files direct to specialist NHS clinicians for pre-referral advice and guidance.

Photos are saved to the secure Consultant Connect platform and never stored on phones.

In the last 4.5 years, over 1.3 million dermatology photos have been taken using our app.

The service is ideal for:

  • Remote consultations – use the platform to upload and securely share photos taken by patients
  • Face-to-face consultations – a ‘patient consent’ step is built into the app, removing the need for additional paperwork
  • Taking multiple images to record the history/changes to a condition over time

 

Impact and key results

Read the key results from Consultant Connect dermatology projects below or click here to download a PDF version.

The Uk’s Most Used Teledermatology Platform Consultant Connect

Works with different dermatology pathways

Taking clinical photos for specialist advice is easy, immediate and safe using the PhotoSAF feature on the Consultant Connect App. Photos can be shared instantly within the app if Photo Advice & Guidance (A&G) is enabled. Alternatively, photos can be shared using other secure methods, such as local referral systems.

The service is flexible, meaning it can work with the dermatology pathway in your area. The most popular pathways are shown below, or you can click here to download the PDF.

Over 1 Million Dermatology Photos Consultant Connect

The National Consultant Network supports local teams

For areas with local clinical capacity challenges, out-of-area NHS dermatology consultants on the National Consultant Network (NCN) can be brought in to answer calls and/or respond to written requests for advice, they can:

  • Support local consultants, acting as back up when they can’t respond to requests
  • Provide specialties that are not available locally (e.g. Paediatric Dermatology)
  • Act as a self-sufficient Advice & Guidance department when no local resource is available

Fully integrated technology

The platform already integrates directly into existing primary care patient record NHS workflows in England (Call activity, Photos and Messages) and will soon also be integrating with e-RS. The integration removes the need for the processes to be conducted manually, freeing up valuable clinical and administrative time whilst ensuring accurate documentation of patient’s condition/concern.

Dermatoscope procurement

Consultant Connect is the UK’s largest purchaser of Dermatology equipment, working closely with leading Dermatoscope providers. If you are thinking of investing in Dermatoscopes, click here.

“My first Photo Advice & Guidance query via Consultant Connect generated a management plan response in 1 hour.” Dr Hebbes, Doctor in NHS Warwickshire North area

For me as a clinician, it (Consultant Connect) helps to reduce the level of risk that I hold. It provides reassurance for me and is a useful tool to learn, to inform future patient outcomes.” Dr Goyal, GP in NHS Birmingham and Solihull area

“Using Consultant Connect for teledermatology, facilitates a joint and efficient communication system between primary care and secondary care teams. It is improving patient care by allowing patients to receive care not only closer to home, and primary care, but also in a more immediate and appropriate setting.” Dr Rabi Nambi, Consultant Dermatologist at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

“The rapid service meant that the dermatologist was able to provide the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment. Within 3 days the patient’s rash had settled.” Dr Grossmark, GP in NHS North Central London area

“I was able to share the image with the consultant and I received a response within the hour containing their clinical advice. Putting the patient forward for a 2ww referral was the best result for the patient because it fast tracked the referral and meant the condition was being managed efficiently.” Dr Photiou, GP in NHS Coventry and Rugby area

Contact us

If you have any questions, or would like to find out how our services can support your dermatology pathways, fill in the short form below or email info@consultantconnect.org.uk.

 

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