Assessing Patient Satisfaction with Live-Interactive Teledermatology Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought teledermatology to the forefront. Understanding patients' experiences will clarify its benefits and limitations. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Patients evaluated through live-interactive teledermatology at New York University Langone Health March-June 2020 were surveyed. Patient demographics, satisfaction with, and preferences between teledermatology and in-person visits across four domains (visit preparation, provider communication, physical examination, and treatment plan/follow-up) were collected. <b>Results/Discussion:</b> Of 602 respondents, >70% indicated at least equal satisfaction compared with in-person visits across all domains. More than a quarter of patients were dissatisfied with the virtual examination and more than half preferred in-person examinations. Male gender was associated with treatment plan/follow-up satisfaction (<i>p</i> = 0.03). Patients ≥66 years preferred in-person visit preparation, communication, and treatment plan/follow-up (all <i>p</i> < 0.01). New patients were less satisfied with teledermatology communication (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and treatment plan/follow-up (<i>p</i> < 0.01) but preferred teledermatology visit preparation (<i>p</i> = 0.01). <b>Conclusions:</b> Patients were satisfied with live-interactive teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic, although preferred in-person physical examinations. Satisfaction and preferences varied between patient populations.