Patient-initiated camera phone images in general practice: a qualitative study of illustrated narratives

Camera phones have become ubiquitous in the digital age. Patients are beginning to bring images recorded on their mobile phones to share with their GP during medical consultations. To explore GP perceptions about the effect of patient-initiated camera phone images on the consultation. An interview s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of general practice 2014-05, Vol.64 (622), p.e290-e294
Main Authors: Tan, Lawrence, Hu, Wendy, Brooker, Ron
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Australia
Cell Phone - utilization
Evaluation Studies as Topic
Female
General Practice - instrumentation
General Practice - methods
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Narration
Patient Participation - statistics & numerical data
Photography - instrumentation
Photography - methods
Physician-Patient Relations
Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data
Rural Population
Telemedicine - methods
Urban Population
Young Adult
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Summary:Camera phones have become ubiquitous in the digital age. Patients are beginning to bring images recorded on their mobile phones to share with their GP during medical consultations. To explore GP perceptions about the effect of patient-initiated camera phone images on the consultation. An interview study of GPs based in rural and urban locations in Australia. Semi-structured telephone interviews with nine GPs about their experiences with patient-initiated camera phone images. GPs described how patient-initiated camera phone photos and videos contributed to the diagnostic process, management and continuity of care. These images gave GPs in the study additional insight into the patient's world. Potential harm resulting from inappropriate use of camera phones by patients was also identified. Patient-initiated camera phone images can empower patients by illustrating their narratives, thus contributing to improved communication in general practice. Potential harm could result from inappropriate use of these images. GPs shown images on patients' camera phones should make the most of this opportunity for improved understanding of the patient's world. There are however, potential medicolegal implications such as informed consent, protection of patient and doctor privacy, and the risk of misdiagnosis.
ISSN:0960-1643
1478-5242
DOI:10.3399/bjgp14X679723