Patient Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine in Dermatology: Narrative Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine have significant potential to transform dermatology care delivery, but patient perspectives on these technologies have not been systematically compared.

This study aimed to examine patient perspectives on AI and telemedicine in dermatology to inform implementation strategies as these technologies increasingly converge in clinical practice.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases between August 2024 and October 2024. We identified 48 papers addressing patient perspectives on AI and telemedicine in dermatology, with none directly comparing patients' views of both technologies.

Several distinct themes emerged regarding patient perspectives on these technologies: willingness to use, perceived benefits and risks, barriers to implementation, and conditions necessary for successful integration. Findings revealed that patients express hesitancy toward AI-based diagnoses that lack dermatologist involvement, while preferences for teledermatology varied by reason for appointment, age, and previous technology exposure. Patients' motivations for implementing AI are connected to its potential for quicker diagnoses and improved triage efficiency. At the same time, telemedicine addresses logistical challenges such as reduced travel time and improved appointment availability. Both technologies were perceived to improve accessibility and diagnostic efficiency, though patients expressed concerns about AI's limited communication abilities and teledermatology's inability to perform physical examinations. Primary adoption barriers for these modalities included technological limitations and trust concerns, with patients emphasizing the need for dermatologist oversight, transparency, and adequate educational resources for successful integration.

The complementary strengths of AI and teledermatology suggest they could mitigate each other's limitations when integrated-AI potentially enhancing teledermatology's diagnostic accuracy, while teledermatology addresses AI's lack of human connection. By thoroughly examining these perspectives, this review may serve as a guide for the patient-centered integration of technology in the future landscape of accessible dermatologic care.