Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Mar;42(3):243-249.

Quality Improvement of Dermatologic Care with the Digital Camera System: Improvement of Efficiency of Dermatologic Care and Cost Reduction

• Lee JW
• Choi EH
• Lee YM
• Jang YG
• Ji SM
• Lee WS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Photographic imaging is a valuable tool in Dermatology. Analog cameras have been used for many years for documenting such images. However, with the recent introduction of the digital camera, dermatologists have begun to replace analog images for digital images when recording dermatologic and histologic findings. We employed a continuous quality improvement (CQI) activity to achieve this goal to replace the image recording system. METHODS: A CQI team composed of all the department members was formed to begin digitalization, Problems caused during digitalization were discussed during monthly meetings. RESULT: 1. We could achieve improvements of image management efficacy. 2. There was a reduction of management space. 3. There was a reduction of costs seen in the total expenses of preparing photographic documentation. CONCLUSION: After digitalization of clinical and histological dermatologic imaging, we were able to reduce expenses, use storage spaces more efficiently, and reduce production time. When considering the efficiency of hospital management, these results are very encouraging, and it can be stated that these results are a good outcome of CQI activities.

Keyword

Digital camera; Continuous quality improvement

MeSH Terms

Dermatology
Quality Improvement*