Perception and Acceptability of Medical Photography in Chinese Dermatologic Patients: A Questionnaire Survey

BACKGROUND: Medical photography is increasingly used by physicians, but studies assessing the perception and acceptability of medical photography by Chinese dermatologic patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception and acceptability of medical photography in Chinese dermatologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July to December 2014, adult patients visiting the Dermatology Clinic of The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University were included in this study. They were required to fill an anonymous questionnaire regarding perception and acceptability of medical photography. RESULTS: A total of 509 consecutive patients completed the questionnaire, with 35 and 474 declining and undergoing medical photography, respectively. Meanwhile, 81.0% of the patients preferred to be photographed by attending physicians; 63.3% favored clinic-owned cameras, and 81.0% would rather have their photographs stored in the department's database. Besides, most patients allowed their photographs to be used in case studies (92.8%) or medical record keeping (90.3%). CONCLUSION: Most Chinese dermatologic patients accept medical photography. However, the principles of privacy protection and informed consent should be strictly enforced in clinical practice, and appropriate photographic devices and storage methods should be used, for better acceptance.

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