Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology No 3, 2019 Telemedicine | Page 22

Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen and Kristian Bakke Arvesen – Teledermatology in Norway – An Absolute Necessity?
Almost 33% of the current dermatologists are in the age
range 60–69 years and 50% of the certified dermatologists
are women. According to “Cancer in Norway 2012” (https://
The AMS eClinic provides specialist services, with dermatolo-
gists, psychologist and other specialties, covered by a network
of 25 different specialties and 18 languages.
www.kreftregisteret.no/globalassets/cancer-in-norway/2012/
cin_2012-web.pdf) 40% of dermatologists working in the hos-
pitals will retire in the period 2010–2020. This high number
will not be replaced by newly certified dermatologists before
2020, since they cannot work with the same efficacy or high
quality as the more experienced dermatologists.
The current situation in northern Norway is critical and will
In addition to teleconsultations, the online dermatology service
offers a range of treatments and videos to guide patient self-care
and treatment follow-up. Patients will be provided with written
summaries and links to relevant procedures or information.
AMS teledermatology doctors work within the framework
for healthcare in Norway and can prescribe treatments and
medication or refer patients to further assessment, if required.
most likely remain so in the coming 8 years.
gists, and long, expensive, travel times. Teledermatology can The AMS eClinic also offers proven online self-care solutions,
a high-quality SymptomChecker, and self-assessment tools
backed by duty nurses and doctors at the AMS 24/7 virtual
Medical Control Center. Dr Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen is Chief
provide better services to people with dementia, psychiatric Medical Officer for the online dermatology service.
There is therefore a high potential for teledermatology in
Norway, based on the low number of available dermatolo-
patients, prisoners and nursing home residents. For people
working offshore and in the maritime sector, teledermatology
will provide an improvement in health, safety and environ-
mental services.
Internet coverage in Norway is extraordinarily good consider-
ing the geography and vast distances involved. Most people in
Norway are familiar with digital devices. It is likely that young
people especially will use teledermatology services:
A dvanced M edical S upport (AMS)
tele - dermatology solutions
e C linic and
Together with our partner Advanced Medical Support (AMS)
we have developed digital dermatology services. For over 30
years the experts at AMS have delivered telemedical consul-
tations to service patients in remote areas and in the offshore
industry. Building digital solutions with a secure seamless
flow of data has been a focus in the development of the new
AMS eClinic.
106
T heme I ssue : T eledermatology
All data are stored in the AMS electronic patient record system
and can be exchanged with public health institutions and GPs
via Norsk Helsenett, or by giving relevant health personnel
the option to log-in to the specific case in the EPR system.
The AMS management has more than 30 years’ experience
within remote care, working within management of medical
assistance in the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Glob-
al Medical Support AS, and SOS International AS. They are
experts in solving complex medical cases as well as providing
general health advice to Nordic people worldwide. Since 2016,
AMS has handled over 20,000 patient cases in 98 countries
with no major incidents. The digital platform can be used by
patients anywhere.
Conflicts of interest
Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen is Chief Medical Officer for the online
AMS Dermatology service. Kristian Bakke Arvesen is Medical
Officer for the online AMS Dermatology service.
Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2019, Vol. 24, No. 3