Teledermatology Service for Suspected Cancer Referrals in Mid and South Essex

About

Attain awarded a contract to Skin Analytics for the provision of teledermatology services for suspected cancer referrals across Mid and South Essex.

The contract term was for 9 months, commencing 1 July 2022 and expiring 31 March 2023, at a total aggregate contract value of £111,375.

The service involved image capture of suspected cancerous lesions within primary care using an iPhone with dermatoscope attachment, with lesions assessed by artificial intelligence; suspicious lesions were returned to the GP/HCP instantly for a 2-week wait referral to secondary care, while suspected benign lesions were reviewed by a Skin Analytics consultant dermatologist and returned to the GP/HCP within two working days with referral action or advice.

The service was used by 44 of the 150 GP practices across the system (29%).

During April 2021 to March 2022, Skin Analytics undertook 3,758 assessments, with 49% (1,841) recommended for a 2-week wait pathway, 10% (376) for a routine pathway to secondary care, 7% (263) for treatment within primary or community care, and 29% (1,090) discharged from primary care.