GPs' attitudes towards and experiences of using the Dermabuddy health app for the management of patients with dermatological conditions: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dermatological presentations are common in primary care. The digital health space is growing in investment, revenue, and in usership numbers. Doctors utilise mobile health apps for referencing, communicating, and for clinical decision making. Dermabuddy is a secure mobile health app by which information and expertise around skin problems can be shared among a group of medical professionals with the aim of finding the best treatment and management plan. AIM: To assess the utility of the Dermabuddy health app for GPs and associated trainees in the Republic of Ireland. DESIGN & SETTING: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved a survey link distributed by email to GPs with Irish Medical Council membership. METHOD: GPs were surveyed on their experiences of using the dermatology mobile application, Dermabuddy. RESULTS: In total, 203 members took this questionnaire (13.5% response rate). Ninety-six per cent who responded to the statement, 'The app was easy to use', agreed it was 'easy' or 'very easy'. Eighty-seven per cent of those who responded to the statement, 'I would use this app again', agreed they 'definitely would'. Fifty-eight per cent of those who responded to the statement, 'The app is useful for my healthcare practice', gave it a five-star rating. The content of 36 comments included advice for improvement and positive feedback. CONCLUSION: The Dermabuddy app was well received by participants in this study. Across all sections of the questionnaire looking at aspects of the app, including ease of use, interface and satisfaction, and usefulness, there was a positive response. Mobile health apps, such as Dermabuddy, may provide alternative solutions to meet the rising challenge of managing patients with dermatological conditions in primary care.