AI used to tackle dermatologist shortage in France

Pharmacies across France are adopting a new system to lighten the load on dermatologists and improve patients’ access to healthcare. 

SkinMed allows photos to be taken in pharmacies which are then analysed by artificial intelligence (AI) and dermatologists, allowing patients who were previously unable to get appointments to receive a health report in just a few days.

“Skinmed’s concept is the interconnection of healthcare professionals through a reorganisation of the path to treatment in dermatology,” said CEO of SkinMed, Jennifer Gauthier, 42. 

How to get skin tests in France

If a person has doubts about their skin, they can go to a pharmacy and get photos taken using a dermoscope, an instrument used by dermatologists which allows high-quality zoom. These images are then sent to and analysed by a dermatologist and AI.

The patient will receive a report back within three days. 

AI is “capable of automatically measuring physiological parameters and identifying issues”, said Mrs Gauthier. 

“However, in France, you are not legally allowed to rely fully on AI, so the photos are always seen by a dermatologist.” 

Based on the report, different routes can be taken. The problem could be taken care of directly in the pharmacy with the help of the pharmacist, the patient may be sent to a GP to get a full-body check-up or specific prescription, or the patient may be referred to a dermatologist.

In extreme cases, the patient may be sent directly to be operated on. 

Some pharmacies will offer a walk-in service, while others will require an appointment.

The cost of the check-up is set by the pharmacy and can be between €0 and €15. Technically it is not the check-up that costs money but uploading and keeping the photos on the server. 

SkinMed is currently installed in 140 pharmacies across around 20 departments and is set to grow in the near future. Its CEO hopes it will extend to pharmacies in 40 departments. 

From January to August 2024, 2,000 tests were performed and 3,000 lesions analysed thanks to SkinMed. 

Read more: How does your area of France fare for delay to see a doctor?

Medical deserts and skin testing

Dermatology is an area of healthcare that is particularly impacted by the so-called medical deserts that continue to plague France.

The speciality has lost 9% of dermatologists in 10 years, and the average yearly change in professionals until 2030 is set to be -3%. 

It is also one of the worst-paid sectors of healthcare.

“By 2029, 37% of the dermatologists in France will no longer be practising,” said Mrs Gauthier. 

This is due to a large number of retirements, which have not been offset by the arrival of young dermatologists (only 450 new dermatologists are trained each year), and a median dermatologist age of 54 in 2021. 

“Mathematically, this is an impossible situation, especially with the rise of skin cancer, which can today be considered the most common cancer in France with 150,000 cases in 2022. We are in a critical situation.”

Read more: Long wait for dermatologist appointments in France

How many dermatologists are there in France?

In 2018, there were an average of 5.9 dermatologists per 100,000 inhabitants across France according to national statistics body Drees. 

This has resulted in extremely long waiting times for appointments and difficulties registering as a new patient. 

“We are continuously trying to improve the concept, particularly with the help of SkinMed’s own dermatologists and new hires,” said Mrs Gauthier, who started the company with her husband. 

“We want to make sure patients always receive and understand the report and that they can be treated if necessary.” 

The pair both worked in healthcare before the pandemic. As a result of Covid, their village’s dermatologist left, leaving no dermatology care for the residents and inspiring them to create SkinMed. 

Read more: What is being done to tackle France’s shortage of dermatologists?