Document Type
Article
Department
Internal Medicine (East Africa); Pathology (East Africa)
Abstract
Background: Teledermatology programs may help expand access to care for skin conditions in areas that are underserved by dermatologists such as sub-Saharan Africa, but their success requires input from participating providers.
Objective: This study assesses teledermatology preferences among healthcare providers in Kenya.
Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey of nondermatology providers was conducted in Kenya from January to March 2024 at Aga Khan University Hospital-Nairobi and Kijabe Hospital.
Results: Among the 38 providers, 81.6% were physicians. Patient population was primarily Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. Almost all (97.4%) regularly encountered patients with skin disorders, yet only 5.3% felt comfortable diagnosing and treating 80 to 100% of these disorders independently. Providers anticipated referring cases of rashes (76.3%), unclear diagnoses (63.2%), and infectious diseases (50%), among others, for teledermatology consultation. Only 10.5% reported utilizing teledermatology, although the majority believed it would be useful (91.9%) and improve patient care (89.5%). Preferred response time was <24 hours (81.6%). Most favored submitting cases via personal cell phones (86.8%), with 87.9% preferring submission through WhatsApp.
Limitations: Participants owned smartphones. The survey was distributed via WhatsApp.
Conclusion: Nearly all providers in Kenya see patients with skin conditions, but few utilize teledermatology services. Teledermatology could be extremely beneficial for patients and providers seeking dermatologic expertise.
Publication (Name of Journal)
International Journal of Women’s Dermatology
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/JW9.0000000000000196
Recommended Citation
Fernandez, J.,
Kaderbhai, H.,
Adams, J.,
Adam, M. B.,
Adam, R.
(2025). Current management of skin conditions in Kenya: exploring teledermatology preferences and perspectives among providers. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 11(1), 1-7.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_intern_med/451
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
