A study of attitudes among Polish dermatologists and dermatology trainees regarding modern technologies in medicine

INTRODUCTION: Dermatology offers great potential for the use of modern technologies such as remote online consultations, initial diagnostics via smartphone and computer applications, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based support for doctors. AIM: To investigate the attitude of dermatologists to such technologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants completed a paper questionnaire comprising 16 questions regarding data such as age, gender and advancement in specialization, as well as views on the safety, benefits and future role of technologies such as AI and telemedicine in the future of medicine. The participants were chosen by snowball sampling. In total, 140 questionnaires were obtained; this was reduced to 90 by removing 50 respondents who were not familiar with term “telemedicine”. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevailing opinion was that while AI will not be able to replace doctors in the future, it could be used to improve the skills of medical personnel. Among the possible applications of these technologies in medicine, most of the responses indicated disease prevention (32%) and education (26%). None of the participants indicated that telemedicine could completely replace the traditional visit to the doctor’s office. CONCLUSIONS: While the connection between medicine and modern technology is becoming stronger, most respondents believe that it is not possible for technologies such as AI or telemedicine to replace the work of human doctors.