USF-LVHN SELECT

Preferences Towards Electronically Exchanging Digital Images With Healthcare Providers Among US Adults.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rapid expansion of telemedicine, including teledermatology, during the COVID-19 pandemic has required both providers and patients alike to adapt to this digital transition. However, patient attitudes towards electronically shared images with their providers are poorly understood. To address this gap, we assessed digital image sharing preferences and associated determinants in a nationally representative sample.

METHODS: We analyzed pooled data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4, Cycle 3 and 4. Digital image sharing preferences were compared by patient characteristics and beliefs via chi-square at a significance level of p

RESULTS: Among 6437 adults, 53.5% reported reluctance in electronically shared images and videos with providers. Greater aversion was observed among adults aged 75 or above (70.9%), retired (67.3%), and those with lower education (65.1%), lower annual income (60.9%), limited English proficiency (63.3%), distrust in health information from doctors (75.4%), and fair or poor health (60.4%).

CONCLUSION: Patient hesitancy towards digital image sharing may present challenges for teledermatology adoption. Greater efforts may be needed to address the age and socioeconomic digital divide, multilingual telemedicine tools, and patient-physician dynamics to ensure vulnerable groups receive needed teledermatologic care.

Volume

13

Issue

10

First Page

18770

Last Page

18770

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

34804649

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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