Table 2.

Features of store-and-forward and live video conferencing for teledermatology.

Features	Store-and-forward	Live video conferencing
Diagnostic accuracy	Higher for store-and-forward compared with that for low-resolution live video conferencing.a	Equally high if high-resolution live video conferencing is used.a
Physician-patient interaction	Usually low. Physician response may include asking for more information or other images by text.	Physician can directly ask the patient to perform certain tasks or show certain body regions.
Image resolution	Resolution of photographic images is usually higher.	Video images usually have a lower resolution.
3-dimensional view	Not possible for static images.	Live video feed allows clinician to view lesions from various angles.
Webcam or mobile phone camera	Useful but not required, as pictures may be taken with any device.	Webcam or mobile phone camera is required for both parties for entire session.
Free choice of location	Full flexibility.	Bound to locations with a fast internet connection and appropriate equipment.
Free choice of time	Full flexibility.	Bound to scheduled appointment.
Teledermoscopy	Often conducted.b	No published literature.
Wait time	Reduced.	No data.
Cost effectiveness	Higher.	Lower.
Security of data transmission	Most commonly transport layer security protocol (end-to-end encryption)	Most commonly transport layer security protocol (end-to-end encryption)

^aDepends on setting, reference standard, and technology.

^bData on increased diagnostic accuracy inconclusive.