BIOPSY 1-2-3 in Dermatologic Surgery: Improving Smartphone use to Avoid Wrong-Site Surgery

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Technology
• Surgical Photography

Background:

• Smartphones are now common tools with high-quality cameras.
• Smartphone photography can be valuable in dermatologic surgery pre-operative consultations.
• Standardized protocols are needed for capturing biopsy site images.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a methodology using smartphone camera technology to improve biopsy site photograph capture.
• To integrate these photographs into decision-making for better cutaneous surgical outcomes.
• To introduce the BIOPSY 1-2-3 protocol for simplifying and standardizing image acquisition.

Main Methods:

• A three-step procedure, BIOPSY 1-2-3, is detailed for using patient smartphones.
• The protocol aims to simplify and standardize biopsy site photograph capture.
• The method is designed to enhance image resolution and clinical value.

Main Results:

• The BIOPSY 1-2-3 protocol was demonstrated with a case example.
• Images captured using BIOPSY 1-2-3 were clearly identifiable compared to less structured images.
• The protocol effectively improves the quality and utility of biopsy site images.

Conclusions:

• BIOPSY 1-2-3 empowers patients by involving them in their dermatologic care.
• The protocol enhances the quality of biopsy site images taken with smartphones.
• Implementing BIOPSY 1-2-3 can potentially reduce medical errors in dermatologic surgery.