Attitudes of dermatological patients towards digital health interventions: a cross‐sectional survey and cluster analysis

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the acceptance of Germany's adoption of digital health interventions (DHI) among dermatology patientsand to identify patient clusters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey on acceptability and (future) usage of DHIs was conducted among patients with chronic dermatological conditions. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified key constructs and patients were grouped using a two-step clustering approach. RESULTS: The EFA was conducted using data from 344 patients (mean age 52.5 years, SD 14.8; 74.0 % female) and identified four factors: "Acceptability of DHIs and Trust," "Patients' Digital Health Competencies," "Digital Health Insecurities," and "Positive Impact of DHIs." Cluster analysis resulted in four groups: "Digital Sceptics" (n = 49, 15.6 %), "Cautious Adopters" (n = 106, 33.7 %), "Digital Enthusiasts" (n = 98, 31.1 %), "Adopters Unsure About Impact" (n = 62, 18.0 %). "Digital Enthusiasts" were significantly younger. Usage and acceptability varied among clusters, with "Digital Enthusiasts" and "Adopters Unsure About Impact" showing the highest rates. Overall, few patients used DHIs, including store-and-forward teledermatology (2.0 %-7.0 %) or electronic patient records (6.4 %-19.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: Patient clusters with varying attitudes towards DHIs were identified. Despite a general willingness to adopt DHIs, actual usage remains low. Systemic barriers such as availability and digital competencies need to be addressed.