The Experience of 3D Total-Body Photography to Monitor Nevi: Results From an Australian General Population-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

Background Digital 3D total-body photography of the skin surface is an emerging imaging modality that can facilitate the identification of new and changing nevi. Objective We aimed to describe the experiences of study participants drawn from the general population who were provided 3D total-body photography and dermoscopy for the monitoring of nevi. Methods A population-based prospective study of adults aged 20-70 years from South East Queensland, Australia was conducted. Participants underwent 3D total-body photography and dermoscopy every 6 months over a 3-year period. Participants were asked to provide closed and open-ended feedback on their 3D total-body photography and dermoscopy experience (eg, comfort, trust, intended future use, and willingness to pay) at the halfway study time point (18 months) and final study time point (36 months). We assessed changes in participants’ reported experience of 3D total-body photography, and patient characteristics associated with patient experience at the end of the study (36 months) were analyzed. Results A total of 149 participants completed the surveys at both the 18- and 36-month time points (median age 55, range 23-70 years; n=94, 63.1% were male). At the 18-month time point, most participants (n=103, 69.1%) stated they completely trusted 3D total-body imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of their nevi, and this did not change at the 36-month (n=104, 69.8%) time point. The majority of participants reported that they were very comfortable or comfortable with the technology at both the 18- (n=138, 92.6%) and 36-month (n=140, 94%) time points, respectively; albeit, the number of participants reporting that they were very comfortable reduced significantly between the 18- and 36-month time points, from 71.1% (n=106) to 61.1% (n=91; P=.01). Almost all participants (n=140, 94%) would consider using this technology if it were to become commercially available, and this did not change during the two study time points. Half of the participants (n=74) cited barriers to participating in 3D total-body photography, including trust in the ability of this technology to detect and monitor suspicious lesions, digital privacy, cost, and travel requirements. Conclusions The majority of participants expressed positive attitudes toward 3D total-body photography for the monitoring of their moles. Half of the participants identified potential barriers to uptake.

Consumer views of melanoma early detection using 3D total‐body photography: cross‐sectional survey

“…Since 3D total‐body photography is a relatively novel dermatological imaging technique, 3,4,13 little is known about consumers' perceptions of the technology. A recent study by our group 14 explored participants' experiences of 3D total‐body photography over a 3‐year period, collecting participant feedback ( n = 149) at the halfway study timepoint (18‐months) and final study timepoint (36‐months). At both timepoints, 69% stated they completely trusted 3D total‐body photography, with over 90% reporting they were comfortable with the technology and would consider using it again in the future.…”

“…At the end of the study, almost all participants (99%) perceived 3D total‐body photography to be a useful tool that can improve the diagnosis and monitoring of skin lesions. Our previous study 14 details consumer experiences after actual use, while the current study provides insight into consumer perceptions of the technology prior to undergoing 3D total‐body photography. Differences in consumer acceptance and perceptions of dermatology technology before and after practical experience are common, with acceptance generally decreasing after use 15 .…”

Consumer perceptions on privacy and confidentiality in dermatology for 3D total‐body imaging

“…An Australian prospective cohort study of 3D total‐body photography for monitoring naevi in the general population ( n = 149) found high levels of comfort and satisfaction after use of the technology 4 . In their research setting, the main barriers identified were trust in the diagnosis, followed by physical privacy (the requirement to undress and be photographed in their underwear), cost and travel requirements.…”

The Importance of Three-Dimensional Total Body Photography and the Role of the Dermatology Nurse in the Prevention of Melanoma in High-Risk Patients

“…Advanced technology allows the experienced clinician to identify changes in existing nevi. The 3D TBP imaging system utilizes software that presents the number, border, irregularity, and color distribution of nevi and other skin lesions (Horsham et al, 2022). Studies using TBP and dermoscopy (including FIGURE 1.…”

“…Total body photography evolved from two-dimensional (2D) imaging with the ability to create a 3D representation of the patient linked with dermoscopy images of individual lesions (Horsham et al, 2022). 3D TBP launched with improved imaging capabilities via 92 cameras and white or cross-polarized lighting (Rayner et al, 2018).…”