New Tele-Dermatology Pilot

We are part of a pilot for tele-dermatology, so if you ring us with a skin lesion problem our Receptionist will ask you questions to see if you may be suitable to go to Boots in the Dolphin Centre, Poole. If they do make an appointment for you please see below for some information about what to expect at your appointment.

Welcome

You have been scheduled for an appointment at a pre-referral tele-dermatology clinic to examine the lesion(s) on your skin.

Our clinics are managed by Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Here is some key information to know before your appointment. 

About this service

• The clinic is run by a General Practitioner (GP) with a specialist interest in skin conditions. 
• If you are over 18, you may be referred to our service for the assessment of up to three or fewer lesions. 
• This service does not assess rashes or other skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis. These will continue to be managed by your GP practice.
• A fully trained Healthcare Assistant will take your photographs using a smart phone device. 
• All images taken will be analysed by the GP with a specialist interest in skin conditions. Diagnosis will be discussed, and onward management will be agreed. 

What happens at your appointment?

• On arrival at the pre-referral tele-dermatology clinic, the Healthcare Assistant will ask you to complete a short questionnaire. 
• Your completed questionnaire will be given to the GP with specialist interest in skin to review.
• The Healthcare Assistant will then take the images of your skin lesion(s).
• You will then be seen by the GP with a specialist interest in skin who will review your images and your skin lesions. Diagnosis will be discussed with you and further management will be agreed. 

The photography

The Healthcare Assistant will take a series of photos of your skin lesion(s) with a secure device. One of these will be taken with a special magnifying lens, which will be placed on your skin for a close-up image of the lesion.  

These photos will be securely transferred, so they can immediately be analysed by the GP with a specialist interest in skin. 

There are three possible outcomes once the skin lesion has been analysed:

1. If the lesion(s) is considered high risk, you will be referred to the suspected skin cancer clinic at the hospital. You should be seen within two weeks of the referral being accepted.
2. If the lesion needs a non-urgent review, you will be referred either to the routine Dermatology Service at the hospital or to Dermatology Community Care. 
3. If your lesion(s) is not worrying, you will be discharged. If the lesion changes in future, then please seek a further review with your GP practice.

Please make sure that we have your up-to-date telephone number so that we can contact you.

Chaperones

If you would like a chaperone, just let us know. A member of staff should be available for your session. If you would prefer a relative attend with you, they are welcome to do so. 

How we use your data

To process your assessment, we securely store your medical history data and images, together with standard identification information necessary for the safe and accurate filing of the assessment report (your name, date of birth, and NHS number).

The assessment report will be available for use to support any further care you may need. 

The assessment report will also be sent to your GP practice to be included in your medical records.

Feedback

We would really like to have feedback on your experience of this service and how it worked for you. We may contact you by letter, text, or phone in the next 4 weeks to ask for feedback. 

Contact details

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your GP Practice.

Published: May 23, 2024