1
Return

Experiences of patient-led melanoma surveillance and teledermatology in underserved groups in the Melanoma Self-Surveillance Trial: A qualitative sub-study

delete2026-07-02
delete0
PRE
AI
P
Priti Kharel
E
Ellie Medcalf
D
Deonna Ackermann
J
Jake T. W. Williams
J
Jolyn Hersch
Z
Zhuohan Wu
M
Monika Janda
D
Dorothy Drabarek
A
Adrian Fann
K
Katy Bell
DOI:10.1177/1357633x261457782delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
<jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Patient-led melanoma surveillance using mobile dermoscopy and teledermatology may support earlier detection and improve access to dermatology care for underserved populations.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>We conducted semi-structured interviews with Melanoma Self Surveillance (MEL-SELF) Trial participants (control, intervention and run-in participants) to explore ways to support mobile teledermatology uptake among underserved populations. Participants had 1+ underserved population characteristics: age ≥70 years, residence outside major cities, low income, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (First Nations Australians) identity. We used thematic analysis to code data and report findings.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>Of the 22 participants (55% women; mean age 64.7 years), nine were ≥70 years, 13 lived outside major cities, four had low income and two identified as First Nations Australians (six had ≥2 characteristics). Participants valued the convenience of home-based skin checks, reassurance from expert feedback delivered via teledermatology and increased access to dermatology care. Family or partner support helped participants use the technology and examine hard-to-see areas, which increased confidence and adherence to the intervention. Barriers to skin self-examination included physical limitations, low confidence, and difficulties using the app or dermatoscope. Regional participants noted that teledermatology could potentially help reduce travel costs, provided additional clinic visits were not prompted by the teledermatology. Participants suggested that clear instructions and face-to-face training would facilitate uptake in practice, and that help from health professionals may also be beneficial.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title> <jats:p>Tailored instructions, training, and technical assistance may help underserved groups use patient-led melanoma surveillance and improve their access to dermatological care.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

Journal

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare cover
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
IF:
3.2
Papers:
3.0K
Citations:
5.5K

Organization

T
the university of sydney
Scholars:
2.0K
Papers: 908
Citations: 0
T
the university of queensland
Scholars:
2.3K
Papers: 909
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers