Attitudes and perceived barriers toward store-and-forward teledermatology among primary care providers of the rural Mississippi

Abstract

Telehealth expands the capacity to care for patients in rural and underserved settings. Store-and-forward teledermatology is a simple and effective approach which enables remote dermatological diagnosis and treatment. Implementing store-and-forward technology in rural Mississippi has the potential to expand access to dermatology services at locations, where an in-person dermatologist is not available including: emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and primary care practices. A survey study was conducted to assess perceived obstacles and attitudes about store-and-forward teledermatology among primary care providers in Mississippi's rural areas. Most providers are very interested in the telehealth program and the opportunities it provides them to best treat their patients. Key barriers to engagement in teledermatology were (1) primary non-adherence: this is rooted in misconception about teledermatology, the investment in time required to master the technology and establish digital links between primary care provider and consultant; and, (2) secondary non-adherence: this is related to the time required to submit a teledermatology consult which disrupts busy offices. Emphasizing the benefits of teledermatology to primary care physicians and simplification of the teledermatology consult submission process may increase the use of teledermatology in rural Mississippi and serve as a model for other academic teledermatology programs throughout the United States.

Keywords: Attitudes; Barriers; Primary care providers; Rural; Teledermatology.