Avoiding Breach of Patient Confidentiality: Trial of a Smartphone Application That Enables Secure Clinical Photography and Communication

Abstract

Background: To evaluate a smartphone application for clinical photography that prioritizes and facilitates patient security. Methods: Ethics was obtained to trial the application Sharesmart. Calgary plastic surgeons/residents used the application for clinical photography and communication. Surveys gauging the application usability, incorporated consent process, and photograph storage/sharing were then sent to surgeons and patients. Results: Over a 1-year trial period, 16 Calgary plastic surgeons and 24 residents used the application to photograph 84 patients. Half (56%) of the patients completed the survey. The majority of patients found the applications consent process acceptable (89%) and felt their photograph was secure (89%). Half (51%) of the surgeons/residents completed the survey and would use the application as is (67%) or with modifications (33%). The consent process was felt to be superior (73%) or equivalent (23%) to participant’s prior methods and was felt to resolve issues present with current photography practices of secure transmission and storage of photographs by 100% and 95% of respondents, respectively. Perceived limitations of the application included difficulties in use with poor cellphone service or Internet, decreased speed compared to current practices, the lack of a desktop platform, video capability, and ability to transmit the photograph directly to the patient’s medical record. Conclusions: A smartphone clinical photography application addresses the risks of patient confidentiality breach present with current photography methods; broad implementation should be considered.