YSP Dermatology Image Database
App screenshot
App demo video
YSP
Dermatology Image Database is a free application that allows users to search
for dermatological issues using keywords. From the keywords submitted, the
database generates images of relevant dermatology conditions along with a brief
description of the condition. It also contains a “web” option where the user
can be transferred to the internet to further their research. In terms of usability,
this intervention is only available for Apple users with iOS 6 or later and
Microsoft operating system users. The purpose is for the user to be able to
search for a condition that may be related to dermatology symptoms which they
are experiencing, or simply for educational purposes. Accordingly, this
intervention is created to target the general population. It cannot be used for educational purposes if
you teach dermatology in Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, France and Italy. As
well, it cannot be used by doctors, pharmacists and nurses for explanation to
patients and for educational purposes.1
The given
list of keywords in the database is not overly extensive. This factor could be
advantageous as it does not overwhelm the user. However, if the list is not
extensive enough, the user may be left feeling disappointed that the mHealth
intervention was not effective enough for their needs. This type of
intervention is an issue in the growth of mobile health in terms of dermatology
as it allows for more patient autonomy, which can result in inaccurate
information gathering.2
With this database full of images
all relating to the skin, a user can be easily lead in the wrong direction
which could potentially be detrimental.
The
fact that this app is free is very important to the success of mobile health
interventions in reaching a larger population. A study found that through the
use of their mobile teledermoscopy allowed more lesions to be ruled out due to
no false-positives being recorded. Accordingly, it will lead to a decrease in
follow-up exams due to false positives which will subsequently save in
healthcare costs.3
This then leads us to believe that there are potential
benefits with this intervention in terms of public health as its involvement in
patient education could potentially save in healthcare costs which could then
be used elsewhere to better the healthcare system.
The
purpose of the application is to be a database of images to be researched.
However, it may better benefit the general population if it allowed for
communication between medical professionals and lay-people. A study, of the
relation between patient satisfaction with teledermatology and their quality of
life, found that some of the patients reported lower quality of life due to the
fact that there was no face-to-face human interaction.4
An
aspect of the app that does not seem feasible is the terminology used in the given
list of conditions. Although it is an important factor of the intervention, the
list may not be helpful to individuals who do not know what they are looking
for. For example, if an individual has what looks like an abrasion of the skin
or a scab that has been picked at, their first instinct may not be to look
under “squamous cell carcinoma”, however, that very well could be their
condition.
This intervention is feasible as the
functions are fairly simple and straightforward. The app requires keywords to
be inputted in order to generate an image. In addition to the lists already
supplied, there is a search function that allows users to search for
characteristics or conditions not already listed. Additionally, if the app is
not providing sufficient help or information, there is also a search function.
It is difficult to say whether this intervention
is reliable or valid. The publisher of the app is Yasusi Suzumura. However, this
could mean anything as I was unable to find any further information as to what
kind of organization Yasusi Suzumura is, and who provides the information that
this publisher is sharing through the intervention. This also relates to the
stakeholders of the app as it is difficult to discern who is involved in the
development of the app and accordingly, whether the expertise of health professionals
is present or absent.
References
1. App Store. (2018). YSP Dermatology Image Database for iPhone on the App Store. [online] Available at: https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id468856302?mt=8 [Accessed 13 Jun. 2018].
↩2. Flaten HK, St Claire C, Schlager E, Dunnick CA, Dellavalle RP. Growth of mobile applications in dermatology - 2017 update.↩
3. Markun S, Scherz N, Rosemann T, Tandjung R, Braun RP. Mobile teledermatology for skin cancer screening: A diagnostic accuracy study. ↩
4. Williams TL, Esmail A, May CR, et al. Patient satisfaction with teledermatology is related to perceived quality of life. ↩
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