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Health technology assessment of teledermatology to support the management of primary care referrals

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Dermatology is the field of medicine that diagnoses and treats skin conditions. There has been an increase in demand for dermatology services in Ireland in recent years. There are not enough consultant dermatologists to meet the increased demand, which has contributed to patients having to wait a long time for an appointment, particularly for non-urgent cases. 

Teledermatology-supported referral management involves a dermatologist using photos, videos, or live interactive video as well as the clinical information provided by the GP. The dermatologist uses this information to decide whether to: 

  • prioritise the patient and refer them for in-person consultation;
  • provide guidance to their GP on how to manage their care;
  • book the patient directly for a procedure;
  • redirect the patient to another speciality.

The aim of teledermatology-supported referral management is to manage patients more efficiently and help dermatologists triage patients. 

The Health Service Executive (HSE) requested that HIQA complete a health technology assessment (HTA) to inform a decision on the implementation of teledermatology to support the management of primary care referrals. A draft report describing the results of the assessment is being made available for public consultation prior to being finalised.

The aim of this consultation is to gain feedback from the public. Input from all sectors of society is crucial in providing comprehensive, balanced and evidence-based information to aid decision-making in our national health service.

The consultation period will last until 5pm on Thursday 18 December 2025. You can read the draft report here.

The easiest way to give your feedback is to complete the online survey here.

Alternatively, you can complete a PDF version of the consultation form available below, and e-mail the completed consultation form to consultation@hiqa.ie or send by post to:

HTA Directorate, Health Information and Quality Authority, 

George's Court, George's Lane, 

Dublin 7, D07 E98Y

Following this consultation, the report will be updated, as necessary, based on the feedback received. The report will then be provided as advice to the Minister for Health and the HSE to inform a decision on whether or not to fund the implementation of implementation of a teledermatology-supported referral management pathway.

The final HTA report and the Statement of Outcomes (a summary of the feedback received from the public consultation and our responses to it) will be published on the HIQA website.

More details can be found in the press release.

Complete the online survey
Protocol for HTA of teledermatology to support the management of primary care r…