How can Consultant Connect support NHS organisations with reviewing and purchasing dermatoscopes?
We are working with CCGs/Health Boards and Hospitals to give them guidance on how different dermatoscope models work, how they compare, and how they can improve the 2ww pathway, particularly alongside e-RS.
We can also support in the purchase and procurement of Dermatoscopes. All brands of Dermatoscopes are being used alongside our Photo Advice & Guidance software in a number of our projects.”
Can you share some examples of this working in practice?
“We are able to combine the latest Dermatoscope options with our leading teledermatology software – technology which is already covering over 26 million NHS patients in the UK.
- The HEINE DELTAone is being used across NHS Kernow, Devon, Wakefield and North Kirklees CCGs.
- The Opticlar D-Scope is being used across 5 CCGs in the North East referring into County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.
- The DermLite DL200Hybrid is being used in NHS Leeds CCG, amongst many.”
For new projects do you send out the Dermatoscopes straight away to GPs?
“We can have the software side of things set up within 48 hours, including a communications plan and training for primary users. We’ve also had projects up and running for several months before Dermatoscopes have been introduced. The feedback from clinicians has been that even a standard image captured on a mobile is better than no image at all. Standard delivery time for Dermatoscopes is generally between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the quantity ordered.”
What training do you provide?
“We’ve got a lot of experience in hosting training webinars, engagement events for GPs etc. We’re keen to return to face-to-face training when possible and appropriate to do so, alongside our webinars. We like to bring on your local dermatology team where possible, to give some insights, a little bit of training, and a general overview of the way that they want the service to be used, for the referrals coming into their hospital. It’s really rewarding to see GPs actually being able to start using kit that they wouldn’t previously have had access to.”
What’s the impact on patient care?
“It’s very successful at helping lesions to be identified that are of concern, and within 48 hours, those that aren’t of concern, so that the patients mind can be put at rest, and they know that they don’t have to worry about it.
Three Consultant Connect projects have featured in the NHSX Dermatology Digital playbook. You can read more about these by clicking here.”
How long does it take to get a project launched?
“One of the great things about dermatology across the NHS is that a pathway that’s up and running in one CCG can pretty much be replicated like-for-like in any other CCG, so this can be done within a matter of days.”
What about using this in other specialties?
“Our software is flexible, and adaptable, it can work across many different pathways and that’s opened up to other specialties as well. Ophthalmology and ENT are great examples of where our software is working very well.”
For further information, you can contact Henry by email henry.maas@consultantconnect.org.uk or call 01865 261 467.
Related Links:
- Photo Advice & Guidance for Teledermatology
- Teledermatology pathway via Consultant Connect/AccuRX in NHS Bedfordshire CCG
- A Doctor writes – Consultant Connect makes clinical photography quick, easy and safe
- Dermatoscope Procurement
- Three Consultant Connect projects featured in NHSX Dermatology Digital playbook
- Consultant Connect – all the data including COVID-19 impact
- 5minutes with an Optometrist
- Use of innovative tech results in faster communication between optometrists and local HES teams
- Optometrist case study
