IHCA welcomes new report on teledermatology

The IHCA has welcomed the publication of the new HIQA report on the use of teledermatology.

The Association said that the HIQA report builds on the “innovative work” of consultants across the country.

HIQA’s health technology assessment (HTA) found that teledermatology, the use of digital imaging to support referrals, is a “safe and effective” clinical pathway. HIQA estimates that while requiring an investment of €2.7 million over 10 years, this approach could enable the management of an additional 270,000 patients.

“We welcome HIQA’s endorsement of teledermatology,” said IHCA President Prof Gabrielle Colleran. “Our members have long advocated for integrating digital technology to triage cases more effectively and to ensure patients are seen in the right place at the right time. This is one important aspect of essential innovation in dermatology services to improve access and ensure that patients with urgent needs can be identified and treated within the time frame needed.”

Prof Colleran acknowledged “the ongoing support” of the Department of Health and the HSE in providing the necessary frameworks for consultants to deliver such solutions.

However, the Association noted that the HIQA report arrives as “dermatology waiting lists remain at unacceptable levels”. The report found that there were over 60,000 patients in Ireland on waiting lists for a consultant dermatologist appointment in June 2025.

HIQA  published the HTA after it was requested by the HSE to inform a decision on whether to introduce teledermatology to support the management of primary care referrals in Ireland.

This HTA found that teledermatology is a safe and effective way to help manage referrals when it is used as part of a complete clinical pathway. While investment would be required in primary care, equipment and additional consultant staff, there would also be efficiency gains, according to the HTA. HIQA estimated that a teledermatology-supported referral pathway would cost an additional €2.7 million over 10 years, but would enable an additional 270,000 patients to be managed compared with the current referral system.