A new teledermatology application: store-and-forward method combined with web camera use

Background and design: In this study, agreement between the results of face-to-face examination and tetedermatology application performed by combined use of store-and-forward method and web cameras was investigated. Material and method: A hundred patients were included in the study. Patients were examined by two tele-dermatologists (A and B) via the teledermatotogy application in which store and forward method is combined with web cameras, then were reexamined face-to-face by third dermatologist. Results: When the results of face-to-face and teledermatology examinations were compared, the diagnostic agreement value (kappa) of teledermatalog A was 0.70, whereas that for teledermatologist B was 0.62. About patient management plans, the agreement value of tetedermatolog A was 0.68, whereas that for teledermatologist B was 0.64. Conclusion: The use of store-and-forward method combined with web cameras may be a good alternative for future teledermatology applications.