Lay summary
There is a dermatology workforce crisis in New Zealand. Waikato dermatologists provided diagnosis and care plans for more than 8000 e-referrals in 2023 but with lengthy delays for non-urgent requests. We seek a better way to support dermatological care in the community harnessing artificial intelligence for diagnostic support and engaging patients. We are evaluating AIPDerm® (aipderm.com), a digital dermatology hospital based in Hungary and licenced throughout Europe. This engagement and relationship-building proposal includes surveys/interviews with primary care and dermatologists to assess AIPDerm's potential. We will meet with Māori, Pacific, and older persons’ community representatives to assess AIPDerm’s consumer platform format and content, including its data sovereignty, image uploading facility and patient information. Extending dermatology's referral pathway to include AIPDerm should result in timely responses and consistent care plans. It has the potential to benefit many thousands of patients and improve the quality of care.