Tele-expertise in dermatology: an opportunity for pharmacists to strengthen their local role

Increasingly difficult access to dermatological care

In France today, getting an appointment with a dermatologist can be an obstacle course. In some regions, waiting times can extend over several months, a particularly worrying situation when faced with skin pathologies that can evolve rapidly.

The result: according to an Ifop study, nearly one French person in two has already given up consulting a doctor because of a skin problem, a figure which rises to 90% for patients with severe eczema.

Faced with this reality, new solutions are emerging to facilitate access to specialized care. Among them: dermatology tele-expertise, an innovative practice that is gradually taking root in pharmacies.

Dermatological tele-expertise: how does it work?

Tele-expertise enables a healthcare professional (such as a general practitioner) to seek the opinion of a dermatologist remotely, on the basis of medical images and a clinical report. For patients, this means a specialized opinion within 24 to 72 hours maximum, without having to make an appointment or visit an office.

In a typical pathway, the patient is first welcomed into the pharmacy, where he or she may be directed to a teleconsultation with a general practitioner. Using a connected dermatoscope, the latter captures high-quality images of skin lesions, writes a report, then forwards the file to a dermatologist - who then delivers his or her expert opinion within 1 to 3 day(s), accompanied by a medical prescription if necessary.

This is exactly what the solution developed by Tessan offers, based on secure technology and a network of salaried dermatologists. The service is designed to fit seamlessly into the patient's care routine, while complying with regulatory requirements and the constraints of daily practice.

Why pharmacists have a key role to play

Integrating dermatology tele-expertise into pharmacies offers many advantages. As local healthcare professionals, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for dermatological problems. Offering rapid access to specialized expertise not only meets a growing demand, but also reinforces the added value of the pharmacy as part of the care pathway.

Concrete benefits for the pharmacist:

• Acquire and retain patients by reducing delays in access to dermatological care)
  
• Promoting the pharmacy as an innovative, responsive point of care
  
• Active contribution to the coordinated care pathway
  

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Easy to install, even without special equipment

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to invest heavily in equipment to offer tele-expertise in dermatology.

Tessan has designed a flexible system, accessible even without a terminal or booth. The aim is to enable all pharmacies, whatever their level of equipment, to offer dermatological tele-expertise to their patients. In general, all that's needed is :

• A confidential space
  
• A computer
  
• A stable Internet connection

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Necessary devices (dermatoscope, Vitale card reader, USB hub, etc.) can be supplied, and the pharmacist benefits from secure access to the platform to monitor files.

A modern response to a public health emergency

Dermatology is today emblematic of the medical divide between regions. Tele-expertise not only relieves congestion in specialist surgeries, but above allprevents patients from having to forego treatment, which can have serious consequences. Certain skin lesions, benign at first, can develop rapidly if not treated in time.

By structuring tele-expertise around a network of healthcare professionals and a proven medical platform, in line with the coordinated care pathway, Tessan actively contributes to relieving congestion in traditional channels, while maintaining a high level of quality and safety.

In conclusion: accessible, meaningful innovation

Tele-expertise in dermatology represents a major development in the organization of care in France. Accessible, fast and reliable, it places the pharmacist at the heart of the healthcare process, while responding to a real problem experienced by millions of patients.

By facilitating access to this medical expertise directly from the pharmacy, you're offering your patients much more than just a service: you're offering them a concrete, modern and deeply human solution.

As a committed player in local healthcare, Tessan is already supporting numerous pharmacies throughout France in this transition towards smoother, faster and fairer access to dermatological care.

Would you like to find out more about integrating dermatological tele-expertise into your dispensary?

👉 Contact an advisor

FAQ

1. Do I have to be equipped with a terminal or booth to offer tele-expertise in pharmacies?

No. It's perfectly possible to offer dermatological tele-expertise without heavy equipment. All you need is a confidential area, a computer and an Internet connection. The rest (dermatoscope, access to the platform, etc.) can be provided by specialized service providers like Tessan.

2. What types of skin problems are involved?

Tele-expertise applies to a wide variety of dermatological disorders: eczema, acne, infections, suspicious lesions, psoriasis, skin allergies... It's a particularly useful solution for patients waiting for a rapid opinion or living in under-serviced areas.

3. How quickly does the patient receive feedback?

Thanks to this system, a dermatologist analyzes the images and delivers a medical opinion within 24 to 72 hours maximum. This means rapid treatment, without the need for an appointment or a trip to the doctor's surgery.

4. What exactly is the pharmacist's role in this process?

The pharmacist acts as a local facilitator and intermediary. They welcome patients, direct them to teleconsultation with the general practitioner, and act as a link if a prescription is issued. This strengthens the pharmacist's role in the patient's care pathway, without complicating his or her work.

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