Marking 20-years as a cornerstone of dermatology advice and support for rural and remote doctors, ACRRM's Tele-Derm has over 5000 doctors registered to use the service and over 10,000 real-life cases submitted for advice. Round-the-clock responses and informed advice from expert dermatologists, surgeons, and pathologists have revolutionised the accessibility of dermatological resources in rural and remote areas across Australia, allowing more patients to be treated locally.
As the digital health space is constantly evolving, we look ahead to the next 20-years of Tele-Derm. Here's a glimpse into what the future might hold:
Advanced AI integration: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Tele-Derm could utilise machine learning algorithms to expedite diagnosis, and triage processes. AI-driven image recognition tools could supplement dermatologists' expertise, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate assessments.
Expanded educational resources: Tele-Derm could look to enrich its educational offerings, providing an extensive array of case studies, journal articles, interactive modules, and immersive learning experiences. This diverse repository could cater to the learning needs of rural and remote practitioners, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in dermatology.
Enhanced accessibility to support and augmented reality tools: Recognising the importance of accessing support when treating a patient, Tele-Derm could integrate augmented reality tools for use by rural and remote doctors, and specialists to teach and assess dermatology skills, for example, how to perform shaves or excisions. Offering both simple and more complex cases, doctors could practice these skills in a virtual environment. This technology could also enable doctors to access the education resources in real-time while seeing patients. Imagine a doctor wearing augmented reality glasses that could use artificial intelligence to assist in diagnosis and ‘call up’ Tele-Derm resources into their field of view – all in real-time while with the patient.
Global outreach and support: Extending its impact beyond borders, Tele-Derm could look to collaborate with international counterparts to address global dermatological challenges, especially in locations suffering from poor access to healthcare. This effort could not only improve skin health outcomes worldwide but also support the local workforce with resources and guidance, empowering healthcare providers in these communities.
Collection of 'outcomes' data: By collecting and analysing outcomes data, Tele-Derm could enhance understanding of what treatments work best, and why. This initiative could support knowledge including effective treatments, and guide future care strategies, particularly for Indigenous populations, and rural and remote practitioners.
Support for patients and communities: Tele-Derm could extend its support to include self-help education resources, and provide guidance on where healthcare can be accessed, particularly benefiting rural and remote communities. This includes support from Aboriginal Health Workers or Rural Nurses as well as GPs. This initiative could significantly impact patient and community empowerment, facilitating better access to dermatological care.
The future of Tele-Derm could continue playing a pivotal role in advancing dermatological care in rural and remote communities. With a commitment to innovation, education, and collaboration, Tele-Derm aims to empower healthcare professionals in providing high-quality care to patients, regardless of their geographical location.