The Role of Teledermatology in the COVID-19 Pandemic
摘要
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, forcing a rapid transition to telemedicine. Teledermatology has emerged as a critical solution in dermatology, enabling the continuation of care despite lockdowns and social distancing measures. This chapter explores the pivotal role of teledermatology during the pandemic, focusing on its ability to maintain dermatological services remotely, supported by advancements in mobile applications, imaging technologies, and artificial intelligence. Although teledermatology offers numerous benefits, such as improved access to care and reduced waiting times, certain limitations persist, particularly in diagnosing complex conditions or conducting detailed visual assessments. Patient and provider perspectives on teledermatology revealed a generally positive reception, although challenges such as the digital divide and occasional diagnostic limitations were noted. The chapter also discusses the policy and regulatory changes that facilitated the rapid adoption of teledermatology, including temporary shifts in insurance reimbursements and relaxed healthcare regulations. Looking forward, this chapter reflects on the potential future of teledermatology, suggesting that hybrid care models—combining both telemedicine and in-person visits—could become the norm in post-pandemic healthcare. Teledermatology may also play a key role in reducing healthcare disparities by increasing access to care in underserved populations.