Patients, Dermatology Providers Support Telemedicine for Stable Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis
Patients with stable psoriasis or atopic dermatitis (AD) receiving systemic treatment and dermatological care providers (DCPs) reported positive attitudes toward telemedicine, with telephone consultations emerging as the preferred approach, according to findings from a mixed-methods study.
Researchers examined the experiences, preferences, and perspectives of patients and DCPs regarding the use of telemedicine for patients with psoriasis or AD receiving systemic therapy. The study included surveys completed by 162 patients and 152 DCPs, as well as semi-structured interviews with 12 patients and 5 DCPs.
Both patients and DCPs generally supported telemedicine when patients had stable disease. Patients cited practical advantages, particularly savings in time and costs. However, they also emphasized the importance of establishing a relationship with their DCP before transitioning to remote consultations.
DCPs identified several factors that could facilitate broader adoption, including improved information and communications technology support, user-friendly systems, and adequate reimbursement. Most patients and DCPs supported implementing telemedicine, with telephone consultations identified as the preferred method.
Many DCPs also indicated that “≥50% of consultations could be conducted through telemedicine,” suggesting that remote care could replace a substantial proportion of in-person visits for appropriately selected patients.
Beyond clinical and logistical considerations, the investigators reported that telemedicine “leads to substantial CO2-equivalent emission reduction,” identifying a potential societal benefit associated with reducing in-person visits.
“Patients and DCPs supported further implementation of telemedicine in patients with stable psoriasis or AD on systemic treatment,” the investigators concluded, while identifying practical, financial, and societal factors that could support broader adoption.
Reference
Henckens NFT, Pawlak ME, Wanten SAC, et al. Patients' and clinicians' perspectives on telemedicine to monitor patients on systemic treatment for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis—a mixed methods study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2026;37(1):2703354. doi:10.1080/09546634.2026.2703354
