Review of smartphone mobile applications for skin cancer detection: what are the changes in availability, functionality, and costs to users over time?

Smartphone applications (apps) are available to consumers for skin cancer prevention and early detection. This study aims to review changes over time in the skin cancer apps available to consumers as well as their functionality and costs. Apps for the prevention of skin cancer were searched on two major smartphone app stores (Android and iOS) in June 2019. The number, functionality, ratings, and price of the apps were described and compared to similar reviews of the skin cancer app market from 2014 to 2017. Overall, the June 2019 search identified 66 apps. Of 39 apps found in 2014, 30 were no longer available in 2019 representing an attrition rate of 77%; of 43 apps available in 2017, attrition was 46.5%. In 2019, 63.6% (n = 42/66) of apps were free to download compared to 53.5% (n = 23/43) in 2017. Input from clinician/professional bodies was evident for 47.0% (n = 31/66) of the apps in 2019 compared to 34.9% (15/43) in 2017. The most common app functionality offered in 2019 was monitoring/tracking of lesions at 48.5% (n = 32/66). Since 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of apps available for the general public to support the prevention or early detection of skin cancers. There continues to be a high turnover of apps, and many apps still appear to lack clinician input and/or evidence for their safety and value.

Patients' perceptions following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Sorry or satisfied?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) currently accounts for 70.1% of weight-loss surgeries in Australia, according to the Bariatric Surgery Registry. There are limited qualitative studies examining Australian patients' experiences. The aim of this study was to explore patients' perspectives following LSG, providing information for shared decision making. METHOD: Twenty-two patients one, two or three years post-LSG were recruited randomly. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews, and responses were analysed inductively. RESULTS: Three global themes were identified: 1) normality, 2) control and 3) ambivalence, with eight organising sub-themes: 1) weight, 2) physical changes and daily living enhancements, 3) exercise, 4) emotional responses, 5) eating behaviour, 6) societal influences, 7) body image and 8) relationships. DISCUSSION: LSG is generally associated with high levels of patient satisfaction, with physical and psychosocial benefits beyond metabolic improvements. The decision to undergo this elective procedure should be made with an understanding of the significant and permanent effects it has on patients' lives.

Consumer Preferences for Skin Cancer Screening Using Mobile Teledermoscopy: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile teledermoscopy is a rapidly advancing technology that promotes early detection and management of skin cancers. Whilst the use of teledermoscopy has proven to be effective and has a role in the detection of skin cancers, patients' attitudes towards the multiple ways in which this technology can be utilised has not been explored. METHODS: Data were obtained from a large randomised controlled trial comparing mobile teledermoscopy-enhanced skin self-examinations (SSEs) with naked-eye SSE. A semi-structured interview guide was developed by the investigators with questions focusing on people's previous skin screening behaviours and 2 of the major pathways which can be utilised in mobile teledermoscopy: (i) direct-to-consumer and (ii) doctor-to-doctor. All interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken by 2 independent researchers. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants were interviewed. Eighty-six percent of participants (n = 24/28) had previously had a clinical skin examination. Only 18% of participants (n = 5/28) visited the same doctor for each clinical skin examination. Five main themes were identified in the interviews that affected how people felt about the integration of mobile teledermoscopy into skin screening pathways: history of clinical skin examinations, continuity of the doctor-patient relationship, convenience of the direct-to-consumer teledermoscopy, expedited review enhancing the doctor-to-doctor setting and mobile teledermoscopy as a partner-assisted task. CONCLUSIONS: Overall mobile teledermoscopy was viewed positively for both direct-to-consumer and doctor-to-doctor interaction. Continuity of care in the doctor-patient relationship was not found to be a priority for clinical skin examination with most participants visiting several doctors throughout their clinical skin examination history.