Unraveling the Conundrum: A Comparative Study of Teledermatology and Face-to-face Consultations

A BSTRACT Background: Teledermatology has emerged as a promising modality for expanding access to dermatological care, yet its diagnostic accuracy and impact on the patient care remain areas of ongoing investigation. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic concordance, treatment implications, and experiential perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals when comparing teledermatology consultations (via WhatsApp photo uploads) with subsequent face-to-face evaluations by the same dermatologists. Materials and Methods: In this non-randomized prospective study, 200 patients aged 18–56 years underwent sequential teledermatology consultations and in-person evaluations at an Indian tertiary care center between March and September 2023. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC No. IEC-2023/98 dated 1 May 2023). Diagnostic discrepancies, treatment modifications, and satisfaction levels were recorded and analyzed. Results: The study unveiled a 30% discrepancy in diagnoses between the two modalities, encompassing a wide range of dermatological conditions. Consequently, 31.5% of cases required treatment modifications following in-person consultations. While patients reported positive experiences across both modalities, a subtle preference for face-to-face consultations emerged, attributed to the empathetic nature of in-person interactions. Conclusions: The study underscores the enduring value of comprehensive in-person evaluations in dermatological practice, while highlighting the potential limitations of teledermatology. A judicious integration of virtual and in-person modalities, coupled with specialized training for healthcare professionals and robust ethical and regulatory frameworks, is essential to unlock the full potential of teledermatology while ensuring optimal patient care.