Can Digital Intelligence Tools Improve Patient Education and Engagement in Dermatology?

by Haroon Ahmad, MD 2025-03-24 00:00

PhysicianPractice Innovation

🔍 Key Finding

AI-powered applications and virtual reality (VR) tools enhance patient education, engagement, and treatment adherence in dermatology by providing personalized skincare guidance and immersive educational experiences.

🔬 Methodology Overview

Design: Comprehensive review of existing research on digital intelligence tools (AI, VR, teledermatology).
Data Sources: Analysis of studies and technologies such as DermAI, SkinVision, IBM Watson Health, and VR platforms like Oculus Quest.
Focus: Impact of tools on patient outcomes, adherence, and satisfaction.

📊 Evidence

AI apps (e.g., SkinVision) improve early detection of premalignant lesions (Dutch study noted increased claims among mHealth users).
VR reduced anxiety in burn patients (ICU study) and pruritus in dermatological procedures.
Teledermatology platforms reduce wait times and expand access in underserved areas.

💡 Clinical Impact

Dermatologists can integrate AI tools for personalized skincare recommendations, use VR for immersive patient education, and leverage teledermatology to reach remote populations, improving adherence and reducing anxiety.

🤔 Limitations

Limited real-world validation of AI algorithms.
Lack of diverse datasets for training AI models.
Ethical concerns about AI replacing human dermatologists.
Accessibility and cost barriers for VR technology.

Consider adopting AI-powered apps for personalized patient guidance, use VR for pre-procedure education to reduce anxiety, and implement teledermatology for remote care. Prioritize ethical AI use and advocate for affordable VR solutions in clinical practice.

Herrick G, Frasier K, Li V, Fritts H, Woollniser E, Baur JV. Enhancing patient education and engagement through digital intelligence tools in dermatology. Int J Res Dermatol 2024;10:391-400.