Comparing the number-needed-to-biopsy ratio for melanoma diagnosis between teledermatology and face-to-face models of care

The UK elective recovery plan has advocated that teledermatology (TD) should be available in every service receiving urgent suspected skin cancer referrals. Currently, TD plays an important role in some NHS dermatology services in triaging referrals on the skin cancer 2-week-wait (2WW) pathway, given the necessity for rapid lesion assessment and the ever-increasing volume of 2WW referrals received. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of TD for the accurate diagnosis and triage of skin lesions remains insufficient, with further prospective and pragmatic evaluation required.

Automated summary

The UK elective recovery plan advocates for the availability of teledermatology (TD) in all services that receive urgent suspected skin cancer referrals. Although TD currently plays an important role in some NHS dermatology services in triaging referrals, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness for accurate diagnosis and triage of skin lesions, requiring further evaluation.