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Consumer acceptance of patient‐performed mobile teledermoscopy for the early detection of melanoma
Author(s) -
Horsham C.,
Loescher L.J.,
Whiteman D.C.,
Soyer H.P.,
Janda M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.14630
Subject(s) - teledermatology , medicine , telemedicine , skin cancer , mobile device , cohort , mobile technology , family medicine , computer science , health care , cancer , world wide web , pathology , economic growth , economics
Summary Background Mobile teledermoscopy allows consumers to send images of skin lesions to a teledermatologist for remote diagnosis. Currently, technology acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by people at high risk of melanoma is unknown. Objectives We aimed to determine the acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by consumers based on perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, attitude/intention, subjective norms, facilitators and trust before use. Consumer satisfaction was explored after use. Methods Consumers aged 50–64 years at high risk of melanoma (fair skin or previous skin cancer) were recruited from a population‐based cohort study and via media announcements in Brisbane, Australia in 2013. The participants completed a 27‐item questionnaire preteledermoscopy modified from a technology acceptance model. The first 49 participants with a suitable smartphone then conducted mobile teledermoscopy in their homes for early detection of melanoma and were asked to rate their satisfaction. Results The preteledermoscopy questionnaire was completed by 228 participants. Most participants (87%) agreed that mobile teledermoscopy would improve their skin self‐examination performance and 91% agreed that it would be in their best interest to use mobile teledermoscopy. However, nearly half of participants (45%) were unsure about whether they had complete trust in the telediagnosis. The participants who conducted mobile teledermoscopy ( n = 49) reported that the dermatoscope was easy to use (94%) and motivated them to examine their skin more often (86%). However, 18% could not take photographs in hard‐to‐see areas and 35% required help to submit the photograph to the teledermatologist. Conclusions Mobile teledermoscopy consumer acceptance appears to be favourable. This new technology warrants further assessment for its utility in the early detection of melanoma or follow‐up.