LEPROSY
Leprosy Review
0305-7518
British Leprosy Relief Association
Colchester, UK
25-0261
0305-7518/14/064053+12
10.47276/lr.85.4.250
Review
Tele-leprology: A literature review of applications of telemedicine and tele-education to leprosy
NelsonCaroline A.
aa
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
b
Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
c
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
d
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Section on Public Health, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Correspondence to: Christiaan B. Morssink, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Section on Public Health, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 143 Anatomy-Chemistry Building, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (Tel: +1 267 252 1199; Fax: +1 215 573 5311; e-mail: morssink@mail.med.upenn.edu)
01122014
85
4
250
261
22102014
© Lepra
2014
Global efforts to eliminate leprosy have brought about a steep decline in prevalence; however, new cases are continually detected. Without early diagnosis and appropriate management, these individuals are at risk of disability, disfigurement, and social stigma. Telemedicine and tele-education are increasingly utilised strategies to maintain access to expert healthcare for leprosy patients scattered in low-accessibility areas. However, an overview of tele-leprology, the application of these strategies specifically to leprosy, is currently unavailable. This review provides such an overview and discusses future directions for research and implementation.