Consumer acceptance of patient‐performed mobile teledermoscopy for the early detection of melanoma

C. Horsham, L.J. Loescher, D.C. Whiteman, H.P. Soyer, M. Janda

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. We aimed to determine acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by consumers based on: perceived usefulness; ease of use; compatibility; attitude, intention; subjective norms; facilitators, and trust before use. Satisfaction was explored after use. Consumers 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. Participants completed a 27-item questionnaire pre-teledermoscopy 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 asked to rate their satisfaction. The pre-teledermoscopy questionnaire was completed by 228 participants. Most (87%) participants agreed mobile teledermoscopy would improve their skin self-examination performance and 91% agreed it would be in their best interest to use. However nearly half (45%) of participants were unsure, if they had complete trust in the telediagnosis. Participants who conducted mobile teledermoscopy (n=49) reported the dermatoscope was easy to use (94%), motivated them to examine their skin more often (86%), but 18% could not take photos in hard to see areas and 35% required help to submit the photo to the teledermatologist. Mobile teledermoscopy consumer acceptance appears favourable. This new technology warrants further assessment for its utility in melanoma early detection or follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.