This document describes a mobile teledermatology service in Sweden called iDoc24. It provides anonymous medical information and treatment advice for visual skin concerns within 24 hours via photo queries sent by mobile phone. Over 250 queries have been answered so far, with the most common topics being genital issues, birthmarks, and general skin problems. Based on the queries, about 70% of people received self-care advice while 30% were recommended to see a doctor. A user satisfaction survey found that most people who used the service felt satisfied, relieved, and safer with the medical advice received.

1. © iDoc24. No dissemination without
prior written approval
Alexander Börve MD
Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg
Sweden
alexander@iDoc24.se
Mobile Teledermatology in Sweden

2. Disclosure of interest
© iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval
• Alexander Börve is an orthopaedic surgeon
at Sahlgrenska University Hospital,
Gothenburg, Sweden
• Alexander Börve is the owner of iDoc24 AB

3. Warning!
• There will be some explicit imagery that is
confidential and is regarded for medical
personel.
© iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval

4. © iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval
The service
• Anonymous medical information within 24
hours on any visual concern
• Treatment information together with a possible
advice to see a doctor in person if needed

5. © iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval
How to send a query?
1. Take a photo of a visual concern
2. Include information that is
important for the medical
information
3. Send the query to 72500
with prefix “doc” and backspace
4. This is what a query
should look like

6. © iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval

7. Diagnostic reliability
• A power point presentation with 10 cases
from the summer 2008 test was presented
to 10 dermatologists
• 1 specialist with over 25 years experience
• 1 specialist with 6 years experience
• 8 with 4 years experience

8. © iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval
Results until today
• Over 250 answered queries
• 30% are genital related
• 25% are about birthmarks
• 45% general skin problems
– Borrelia, bugg bite, vitiligo, lichen
sclerosus, folliculitis
• Ca 70% self care advice
• Ca 30% recommended to see a GP or
Dermatologist

9. Citizen satisfaction
© iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval
Sex 30 Men 12 Women
Age 21-40+
Feel Satisfied 27 Relieved 8 Safer 18 Confused 3 Worried 2
Trust
yes:no:don’t
know 36.01.05
What did you
use the answer
for Show friends 3
Self treatment
25 Seek care 11
Search information
on the internet 9 Other 7
What situation Anytime 37 Advise 28
foreign country
12 Country side 15
Use service on
who? My self 38 Relatives 31
Other children
14
How much? Average €5
Faster? 14 Pay doubble

10. © iDoc24. No dissemination without prior written approval