Views and experiences of dermatologists in Turkey about teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Teledermatology is an alternative medical science that allows evaluation of patient's clinical information over a distance without requiring face-to-face examination. Due to COVID-19, social distancing has become important these days, and teledermatology can help physicians and patients in overcoming the barriers of accessing health care. Aim: In this study, we aim to evaluate how dermatologists in our country have viewed and experienced teledermatology during the pandemic through surveys. Patients/Methods: The study was carried out by using an online survey for evaluating the teledermatology experiences of dermatologists in Turkey and how they have viewed teledermatology during the 2-month pandemic period and the 2-month prepandemic period. Results: The number of patients evaluated with teledermatology methods was found to be significantly higher in the pandemic period when compared with the prepandemic period. The rates of using video calls with mobile phone and online video calls were found to be significantly higher in the pandemic period when compared with the prepandemic period. Conclusion: Our study results show that the teledermatology method had a higher rate of usage compared to before the pandemic.