Exploring Acceptability, Barriers, and Facilitators for Digital Health in Dermatology: Qualitative Focus Groups With Dermatologists, Nurses, and Patients (Preprint)

Abstract

Although several digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown promise in the care of skin diseases their uptake in Germany has been limited. To fully understand the reasons for the low uptake, an in-depth analysis of patients’ and health care providers’ barriers and facilitators in dermatology is needed.

The objective of this study was to explore and compare attitudes, acceptability, barriers, and facilitators of patients, dermatologists, and nurses toward DHIs in dermatology.

We conducted 6 web-based focus groups each with patients (n=34), dermatologists (n=30), and nurses (n=30) using a semistructured interview guide with short descriptions of DHIs described in the literature. A content analysis was performed using deductive constructs, following the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework, and inductive categories.

Patients identified many positive performance expectancies, such as reduced travel times and improvement in follow-up appointments. Dermatologists also stated positive effects (eg, promotion of standardized care), but also negative implications of health care digitalization (eg, increased workload). All stakeholders reported that a DHI should bring additional value to all stakeholders. A lack of digital competence among patients was identified as the major barrier to adoption by all 3 groups. Nurses and dermatologists want apps that are easy to use and easy to implement into their daily routines. Trust in selected institutions, colleagues, and physicians was identified as a facilitator. Patients reported their dependence on the dermatologists’ acceptance. All groups expressed concerns about data privacy risks and dermatologists stated insecurities toward data privacy laws.

To ensure successful digitalization in dermatology, apps should be user-friendly, adapted to users’ skill levels, and beneficial for all stakeholders. The incorporation of dermatologists’ perspectives is especially important as their acceptance may impact use among patients and nurses. DHIs should ensure and be transparent about data privacy. The found barriers and facilitators can be used for implementation strategies.