Digital skin imaging applications, part II: a comprehensive survey of post‐acquisition image utilization features and technology standards

Abstract

Background: Despite the increasing ubiquity and accessibility of teledermatology applications, few studies have comprehensively surveyed their features and technical standards. Importantly, features implemented after the point of capture are often intended to augment image utilization, while technical standards affect interoperability with existing healthcare systems. We aim to comprehensively survey image utilization features and technical characteristics found within publicly discoverable digital skin imaging applications. Materials and Methods:Applications were identified and categorized as described in Part I. Included applications were then further assessed by three independent reviewers for post-imaging content, tools, and functionality. Publicly available information was used to determine the presence or absence of relevant technology standards and/or data characteristics.Results: A total of 20 post-image acquisition features were identified across three general categories: (1) metadata attachment, (2) functional tools (i.e., those that utilized images or in-app content to perform a user-directed function), and (3) image processing. Over 80% of all applications implemented metadata features, with nearly half having metadata features only. Individual feature occurred and feature richness varied significantly by primary audience (p < 0.0001) and function (p < 0.0001). On average, each application included under three features. Less than half of all applications requested consent for user-uploaded photos and fewer than 10% provided clear data use and privacy policies. Conclusion:Post-imaging functionality in skin imaging applications varies significantly by primary audience and intended function, though nearly all applications implemented metadata labeling. Technical standards are often not implemented or reported

Advancing Dermatological Care: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Tele-Dermatology and mHealth for Bridging Gaps and Expanding Opportunities beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Nine reviews [22][23][24][25][28][29][30]36,38] and one systematic review [32]; • Twenty-five papers [21,26,27,31,[33][34][35][40][41][42][43][44][45]48,[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60].…”

“…The search provided 40 components [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ] in the three years since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (at the date of this study).…”

“…In detail, the components were: Two randomized controlled (clinical) trials (RCTs) [ 37 , 49 ]; Three observational studies (OS)s [ 39 , 46 , 47 ]; Nine reviews [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 36 , 38 ] and one systematic review [ 32 ]; Twenty-five papers [ 21 , 26 , 27 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. …”

“…In general, more domains of intervention are emerging in this area, ranging from technologies to ethical aspects. Sun et al [33,40], for example, proposed a study divided into two parts which addressed the critical domain of standardization from a global point of view. The take-home messages were that the image post-processing capabilities vary greatly based on the us-er and the intended function; technological standards were not always implemented or reported; and critical issues were also detected in the consent procedure and in other aspects of privacy and data confidentiality which were either not present or not standardized.…”

Ethical perspective on AI hazards to humans: A review

“…This may include strengthening data privacy protection, developing stricter regulations and standards, and increasing the transparency and explainability of algorithms. [ 14 , 15 ] Only by effectively managing and controlling these risks can we fully leverage the advantages of AI technology, achieve more value, and drive innovation.…”