Effect of Store and Forward Teledermatology on Quality of Life

Abstract

For many dermatologic conditions, the health outcome measure of principal importance is self-reported quality of life.^1,2 The effect skin disease may have on patient well-being and quality of life can be significant.^3-6 For example, psoriasis was found to be more detrimental to quality of life than angina or hypertension and was associated with a reduction in physical and mental functioning comparable to that seen with cancer, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.^3,7 It has been reported that patients with pruritus are willing to forfeit 13% of their life expectancy to live without that symptom.⁸ Furthermore, the clinician's judgment of skin disease severity is a poor proxy for the patient's perspective.^9-14