Characterizing Global Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Telehealth, and Electronic Medical Records in Dermatology: International Survey Results from the Ilds Skinobservatory Study
Recommended Citation
McTigue G, Yardman-Frank J, Kilmer J, Lim HW, Kerob D, Fuller L, Griffiths CE, Dlova NC, de Lambert G, Freeman E. Characterizing Global Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Telehealth, and Electronic Medical Records in Dermatology: International Survey Results from the Ilds Skinobservatory Study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2026; 95(1):AB98.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
7-1-2026
Publication Title
J Am Acad Dermatol
Keywords
Dermatology
Abstract
Background: Limited data exist on the global state of integration of artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, and care documentation in dermatology. Methods: The ILDS Global Access to Skin Health Observatory (SkinObservatory) is a cross-sectional survey of national dermatologic leaders across all WHO member states. Participants reported utilization of AI, telehealth, and methods of care documentation in their country, with responses compared across World Bank income (WBI) levels. Results: Since August 2024, data have been collected from 157 countries across all WBI levels (12.7% low-, 28.7% lower-middle-, 25.5% upper-middle-, and 33.1% high-income). There is a significant association (p=0.008) between reported AI usage in dermatologic care and WBI level, with 42.5% of high-income countries reporting utilization compared to 13.0% of low- and lower-middle-income countries. AI is most frequently used for diagnosis (81.8%), teaching or coaching (57.6%), and treatment (39.4%). Current AI usage is described as primarily augmenting dermoscopy, concentrated in the private sector, and an “evolving area of knowledge and work.” There is no significant variation in teledermatology usage by WBI level (p>0.05), but the most common modalities are live telehealth visits (40.1%), store-and-forward teleconsultations (38.2%), teleconsultations for hospitalized patients (25.5%), and telementoring for non-dermatologists (8.9%). EMRs are utilized in 67.5% of countries, significantly differing by WBI level (p=0.018), while paper charts are utilized in 63.7% of countries. Conclusions: Our data represent a systematic global assessment of the utilization of AI, telehealth, and EMRs in dermatology. We document numerous opportunities to improve access to dermatologic care in lower-income settings through expanding capacity-building technologies.
Volume
95
Issue
1
First Page
AB98
