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.
}, year = {2025}, journal = {International Journal of Women’s Dermatology}, volume = {11}, pages = {e196}, publisher = {Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)}, issn = {2352-6475}, url = {https://journals.lww.com/ijwd/fulltext/2025/03000/current_management_of_skin_conditions_in_kenya_.7.aspx}, doi = {10.1097/jw9.0000000000000196}, language = {eng}, }