Teledermatology: influence of zoning and education on a clinician's ability to observe peripheral lesions

Australas J Dermatol. 2002 Aug;43(3):171-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00589.x.

Abstract

Teledermatology can benefit rural and remote communities, where specialist dermatological services may not be readily available. Regarding store-and- forward teledermatology, we hypothesized that the site of a lesion in an image (zoning) may influence a clinician's ability to observe target lesions, and that education on image viewing may improve use of this technology. We examined this by conducting both pre- and post-education studies. The education on image viewing consisted of a presentation on the outcome of the first study-survey on image viewing. The first study demonstrated that zoning influences a clinician's visual attention and that significant, concurrent lesions in the periphery may be missed. The second study demonstrated that brief education could produce a measurable change in observing peripheral lesions. These findings have medico-legal implications and suggest that further education in the use of such technology is necessary in order to optimize patient care and prevent potential errors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Data Collection
  • Dermatology / education*
  • Dermatology / methods
  • Education, Medical, Graduate / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratosis / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Photography*
  • Probability
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Telemedicine / methods*