Informed consent for teledermatology

Created 2017.

Quality Standards for Teledermatology, Standard 3:

• The consent process should be recorded but signed written consent is not mandatory.
• Provide patient with options for further consultation.
• Tell them what information and images will be sent for consultation.
• Explain that data and images will be stored securely, but data security is not full-proof.
• Their data may be used for review of the service, audit and teaching.
• Express permission should be sought for use for education or publication of potentially identifiable images (facial features, tattoos, clothing, jewellery, distinctive birthmarks and so on)

Competence to deliver service

Staff involved in a teledermatology service should have the appropriate knowledge, skills and competence.

Ensure the teledermatology service has appropriately qualified referrers and consultants.

Registered doctors  in New Zealand can be searched for here :

• Referrers are vocationally registered general practitioners or nurse practitioners or under the oversight or supervision of a vocationally registered general practitioner.
• The referring clinician should understand the limitations of teledermatology, and has the skills and knowledge to take a detailed clinical history.
• The referring clinician should be able to interpret and act on a teledermatology response.
• The referring clinician should be able to provide appropriate patient care or triage based on the management plan provided by the reporting specialist.
• Teledermatologists should be vocationally registered or under the oversight or supervision of a vocationally registered dermatologist.