Case Studies: Teledermatology via Consultant Connect

NHSX’s Digital playbooks ‘have been developed to support clinical teams to reimagine and redesign care pathways by showcasing tried and tested technologies to solve real-world problems.’ They highlight challenges faced by people working in different NHS organisations and share solutions and best practice.

Three of our Teledermatology projects feature in the NHSX Dermatology playbook:

Read about our Devon project in NHSX Dermatology Digital Playbook

Read about our Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust project in NHSX Dermatology Digital Playbook

Read about our project in Leeds in NHSX Dermatology Digital Playbook

‘Because of the hospital’s geographical location, our nearest dermatology clinic is a three-hour round-trip, and this service has prevented a huge number of unnecessary referrals, reducing elective long waits.’ Hannah Meredith, Urgent Care Practitioner in Powys Teaching Health Board.

‘Because of [Consultant Connect], we received a dermatology appointment at The Churchill Hospital three days later. At the appointment, the dermatologist had all the GPs’ photos to hand, which was really helpful because he could see the life cycle of Charlotte’s rash instead of an isolated appearance of how it presented on the day.’ Marie, a patient in Oxfordshire.

‘Using PhotoSAF during my clinic works really well. It only takes a few minutes to take and save the photos, and once I’ve done that, the referral is ready. The entire process from the patient’s initial GP appointment to the dermatologist receiving the referral is around 24-48 hours.’ Carrie Bottomley, Apprentice Healthcare Assistant and General Practitioner’s Assistant in West Yorkshire.

‘I normally have a response within 48 hours maximum, and I can text the patient with the management plan and attach a copy of the specialist’s response for their reference. Patients are pleased because they’re not waiting months for an outpatient appointment, by which time their skin condition will have deteriorated.’ Dr Victoria Barber, GP in Northamptonshire.

‘Using Consultant Connect for access to rapid advice is significantly easier, especially for Dermatology. When you have queries about the severity of a patient’s condition, trying to get the best care for a patient in the past would’ve usually resulted in a referral.’ Dr Emamoke Ubogu, Senior GP Partner and GP Trainer in Birmingham and Solihull.

‘I recently saw a patient with a skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. They were in a lot of pain and were regularly going to the hospital to have abscesses drained. We had tried all options available to us, so I sent a message to the Dermatology specialists via the Consultant Connect App. The response was very quick and detailed, and the patient is much happier now; it was a great outcome’. Physician Associate in Coventry & Warwickshire.

‘After reviewing the images, the team booked the patient into the emergency clinic. The patient avoided a lengthy wait in A&E, and I was reassured that they would not be on a routine waiting list. This enhanced access is so helpful when we, as GPs, are at the end of the line of what we can offer.’ Dr Suzannah Carrier, GP in Salford.