Move information before people
Dermatology and imaging
Image-first triage can help protect specialist capacity when high-quality capture and governance are in place.
Question
Does every referral require a physical specialist appointment first?
Resource intelligence principle
Do not assume activity is waste. Connect the data, identify the signal, validate it clinically and operationally, then measure what can actually be recovered.
Observed
What we have found
- Teledermatology is already recognised in NHS pathways for triage, diagnosis, monitoring and assessment.
- The resource opportunity depends on image quality, workflow design and timely specialist review.
- The goal is not to remove face-to-face care but to direct it to patients who actually need it.
Intervention
What we would test
- Standardise image acquisition and minimum quality requirements.
- Capture in GP, pharmacy or community settings where appropriate.
- Route suitable cases for remote specialist review before outpatient booking.
- Measure consultant time, avoided visits, re-referrals and diagnostic safety.
Pilot measurement
What success must prove.
Observed
What actually happened?
Avoidable
Which part could plausibly have been prevented?
Recoverable
What safe intervention exists?
Verified
What changed after implementation?