Spotlight

Digital Dermatology

The National Digital Dermatology programme is being deployed across Scotland by CfSD. This provides Primary Care clinicians with an easy-touse app to securely capture and share high-quality skin images at referral which enables faster, more accurate triage by dermatologists. This innovation reduces unnecessary appointments, shortens waiting times, and ensures patients quickly receive the right care.

All 14 Health Boards now have access, and over half of Scotland’s GP practices are already using the technology. CfSD continues to work with Boards to expand usage, ensure consistent image quality, and fully embed image supported triage in secondary care. Since going live in November 2024 1,467 images have been submitted in supporting referrals.

Case study:

A patient with a persistent skin issue had visited their GP four times about their condition. Using the Digital Dermatology app, the GP sent images to dermatology and received treatment advice within 24 hours, which avoided a 40-week wait. The new treatment worked quickly, and the patient was delighted with the new service they received.

Value Cases

Following a robust evaluation through the ANIA pathway, 2 of the innovations have now secured funding to support national adoption across Scotland.

Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme: this will support 3,000 newly diagnosed patients over 3 years, with about 40% of patients expected to achieve remission in year one, saving an estimated £8.7 million over 8 years.

Pharmacogenetics Programme: this will fund genetic testing for stroke patients and the provision of a neonatal point-of-care test for potential deafness. Expected benefits include preventing 20 babies from profound deafness, saving £8 million, and optimising stroke medications for 60,000 patients, saving up to £30 million in healthcare, social care, and productivity costs.