Digital health interventions in dermatology—Mapping technology and study parameters of systematically identified publications

Abstract

Digital health interventions (DHI) potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of dermatological care. Currently, an overview clustering and characterizing the evidence on DHIs is missing. This systematic mapping of the literature aims to analyse published research on DHIs in dermatology to identify trends and gaps in research. For this purpose, a systematic search of the MEDLINE database was conducted in August 2022 to identify original publications on DHIs in dermatology. Data on country, targeted audience, DHI category, indication, outcome parameter and study design were extracted. Out of 12,009 records identified in MEDLINE, 403 studies were included in the final analysis. Studies on DHIs mainly performed in western countries, headed by the United States ( n = 133), Germany ( n = 32) and Spain ( n = 23). Of all identified DHIs, 261 targeted healthcare providers (HCP), 66 clients (e.g. patients, caregivers, healthy individuals) and 67 both clients and HCPs. A majority of DHIs focussed on establishing a diagnosis ( n = 254). Every other study analysed store‐and‐forward teledermatology ( n = 187), followed by artificial intelligence applications for image analysis ( n = 65). The most often analysed DHI category for clients was a support of health behaviour change ( n = 31). Monitoring of clients was targeted by 77 studies. Skin cancer ( n = 148), wounds ( n = 29) and psoriasis ( n = 29) were the most targeted indications by DHIs. Most studies analysed diagnostic performance ( n = 166), fewer studies analysed acceptance ( n = 92) and effectiveness ( n = 98). Usability ( n = 32) and efficiency ( n = 36) were investigated only to a small extent. Studies on DHIs in dermatology have focused on teledermatology and AI applications, with an emphasis on skin cancer diagnosis. Apart from that, a range of DHIs for different user groups, purposes and indications were identified, demonstrating the broad potential for DHIs in dermatology. Further research with a wider set of outcome parameters is needed to fully understand the potential of DHIs and ensure their sustainable implementation into dermatological care.