Map of dermatology: 'first-impression' user feedback and agenda for further development
Abstract
Background: Map of Dermatology (http://healthcybermap.org/dermapl) is a
free web resource that enables users to search for images of skin conditions by
body region and morphology rather than by condition name, which is much
more useful and natural in answering questions about unknown clinical
presentations/diagnoses, especially for non-specialists.
Objectives and methods: This paper presents responses received from twelve
users, including specialist dermatologists, non-specialists (some with interests
in health informatics), and lay persons, who provided their 'first-impression'
feedback on Map of Dermatology by responding to a very short e-mail
questionnaire covering service usefulness and interface usability. The paper
also provides a brief review of the gaps in current online dermatology information
service provision in general.
Results: The overall user feedback received was very positive. An exploratory
discussion of the arguments and possibilities for radically improving Map of
Dermatology to produce 'the ultimate web-based dermatology diagnostic tool'
is also provided, together with some desiderata and preliminary 'design and
feature specifications' for such a tool based on users' suggestions, the gaps
highlighted in other existing online dermatology tools, and the author's own
reflections and experience.
Conclusions: When successfully developed, the proposed tool is expected to
have significant potential for efficiently and effectively addressing many of the
currently unmet educational needs of clinicians.
Publisher
University of Nairobii