Evaluation Criteria for Mobile Teledermatology Applications and Comparison of Major Mobile Teledermatology Applications
- 1 September 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Mary Ann Liebert Inc in Telemedicine and e-Health
- Vol. 19 (9), 678-682
- https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2012.0234
Abstract
Background: Mobile teledermatology applications have enabled increased patient access to dermatologic care. For groups interested in starting a mobile teledermatology program, selection of the appropriate application can be challenging. Having pretested evaluation criteria allows for efficient, systematic assessment of mobile teledermatology applications and identification of features important for comparison. The primary aim of this study is to determine a framework for evaluation of mobile teledermatology applications and to compare two major mobile teledermatology applications available in the United States using the proposed criteria. Materials and Methods: We incorporated previous teledermatology application evaluation criteria and developed new evaluation criteria to reflect matters specific to the mobile platform. Through a systematic search, we identified two publicly available mobile teledermatology applications in the United States and applied the evaluation criteria. Results: The 13-point evaluation criteria encompass three major domains: (1) technical specifications, (2) user experience and workflow, and (3) integration and scalability. The evaluation criteria provided an effective way of assessing the two mobile teledermatology applications. Both AccessDerm version 1.0 (Vignet Corp., McLean, VA) and ClickMedix version 1.3 (ClickMedix LLC, Rockville, MD) were capable of managing consultations. These applications adopted different approaches to balancing image quality versus data transmission, managing follow-up patients, and enabling dialogue between providers. Conclusions: Mobile teledermatology provides convenient and scalable means of providing specialty care. The creation of mobile application evaluation criteria offers a useful guide for assessing future mobile applications.Keywords
This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit:
- Mobile Teledermatology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Useful Tool in Supporting Health Workers in Low-resource CentresActa Dermato-Venereologica, 2013
- Application of mobile teledermatology for skin cancer screeningJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2012
- Practice Models and Challenges in Teledermatology: A Study of Collective Experiences from TeledermatologistsPLOS ONE, 2011
- HIV-positive patients in Botswana state that mobile teledermatology is an acceptable method for receiving dermatology careJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2011
- Mobile teledermatology in the developing world: Implications of a feasibility study on 30 Egyptian patients with common skin diseasesJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2011
- Diagnosis, Diagnostic Confidence, and Management Concordance in Live-Interactive and Store-and-Forward Teledermatology Compared to In-Person ExaminationTelemedicine and e-Health, 2008
- The impact of store-and-forward teledermatology on skin cancer diagnosis and treatmentJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
- TeledermatologyPublished by Cambridge University Press (CUP) ,2008
- Melanoma Screening with Cellular PhonesPLOS ONE, 2007
- Evaluation of an Asynchronous Teleconsultation System for Diagnosis of Skin Cancer and Other Skin DiseasesTelemedicine and e-Health, 2000