

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust successfully digitised their urgent skin cancer dermatology referral pathway
Learn how Open Medical and Luton & Dunstable University Hospital worked together to reach £132,000 in cost savings for the dermatology department.
CASE STUDY
Overview
Using a user-centred design methodology, focused on end-user needs, our team implemented a service redesign alongside the trust, using our Pathpoint eDerma digital dermatology platform, to support the entire patient pathway from initial referral to management and discharge back to the GP.
The Pathpoint eDerma platform was used to deliver nurse-led initial triage, utilising a digital dermatoscope and iPad, to capture high-quality images of lesions prior to virtual assessment by a Consultant Dermatologist. The platform is then utilised as a clinical workflow tool to organise multiple aspects of the patient pathway including biopsy lists, MDT assessments and clinical governance assessments.
THE CHALLENGE
Geographically remote locations requiring significant travel by clinicians to review both in- and out-patient referrals
Large numbers of unnecessary clinic appointments
High consultant vacancy rates resulting in a significant departmental locum spend
Large numbers of urgent skin cancer referral breaches

OUTCOMES
Realised Benefits
Time Saving
6 min
average time for consultant dermatology assessment
Target Achievement
97%
urgent skin cancer referrals triaged within 48 hours
Cost Saving
£132k
in savings for the dermatology department
Patient Satisfaction
96%
patients would recommend eDerma nurse assessment clinic
Clinician Satisfaction
100%
clinicians agree on service improvement
To keep reading how Luton & Dunstable University Hospital achieved its digital transformation, please download the case study below.