UP-PGH TELEDERM: A Specific Web Application for Dermatological Consultation with Online Chat System and Reminder Alerts via SMS

Abstract

A teledermatology system promotes a faster and efficient way of consultation under extreme geographical barriers as it utilizes modern communication technology for the transfer of information while incorporating the store-and-forward technology. A teledermatology system with chat support and reminder alerts via SMS is developed for the Philippine Genera! Hospital to cater for dermatological problems whose consulting patient is situated in an area far from where there are enough dermatology experts around. UP-PGH Telederm is equipped with functionalities that will lessen the burden experienced when consulting under tremendous geographical conditions and will lessen the cost of travel and strain on the part of the patient. The store-and-forward technology used by the system which allows images to be uploaded and used as the basis of diagnosis instead of the actual patient is highly cost-efficient and time-saving. The records and other information are easily appended into the database and can be easily retrieved and viewed by users who have granted access to it. All these are done with less paper work and lower manpower. The easy retrieval of patient information as well as the efficient exchanges of ideas fostered by the maximization of modern communication technology like private messaging, forums, and chat support which are all part of the system greatly fosters the objectives of an efficient teledermatology network. Hosting the system in the internet makes the transfer of information faster and less viable for data corruption and losses as it will be safely guarded by firewalls against falsified access. The reminder system increases the degree of recall on both the sending and receiving user for scheduled chat conversations.