Objective:

To evaluate a tele-dermatology initiative aimed at improving access to specialized care for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) in rural areas of India, focusing on patient engagement and healthcare delivery.

Approach:

• Study Design: A before-and-after observational study conducted at the Centre for Human Genetics in Bangalore from January 2020 to August 2025, assessing the impact of tele-dermatology on patient care.
• Patient Enrollment: 271 patients with confirmed or suspected EB were referred for teleconsultation with specialized dermatologists, including various subtypes of EB.
• Evaluation Metrics: The program's impact was assessed by analyzing geographical reach, patient evaluation, and comparative medical costs before and after implementation, using appropriate statistical methods.

Key Findings:

• 271 patients enrolled, with a significant portion residing within a 600 km radius of the central hub.
• Statistically significant reduction in direct medical costs, with a median savings of Rs 2625.
• The program demonstrated feasibility and impact in improving access and reducing economic burden for patients with EB.

Interpretation:

The tele-dermatology model effectively enhanced patient engagement and accessibility to specialized care for Epidermolysis Bullosa, demonstrating significant cost savings.

Limitations:

• The study is observational and may not account for all confounding variables, which could affect the generalizability of the findings.
• Limited geographical data available for only 41 patients, which may not represent the entire patient population.

Conclusion:

The integration of telemedicine and genomic technologies in EB care can enhance access to specialized healthcare delivery across wide geographic regions.