Teledermatology: An experience in Tucumán

Abstract

Since 2006 projects have been carried out in the Universidad Nacional de Tucuman to introduce Telemedicine in the Provincial System of Health (SIPROSA) in Tucuman, Argentina. These projects aim at improving accessibility to remote populations, providing equity and avoiding costly and unnecessary transfers as well as helping early diagnosis and treatments, timely and appropriate referrals. On the other hand, this consultation has already been set up within the SIPROSA with the application of the system of reference and counter-reference for several years. By applying Telemedicine it is possible to accelerate the times and make this more efficient. This paper presents a prototype Web application for performing consultation in dermatology. These were conducted by professionals in Ranchillos, a small town within the Province, together with specialists from the capital city. After the experience, it can be said that the teledermatological application of the platform has been well received by physicians and dermatologists of rural areas, especially because the interfaces could be adjusted to their requirements. The physicians consider it a useful tool to complete the process of referral and counter-referral.