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Standardising and assessing digital images for use in clinical trials: A practical, reproducible method that blinds the assessor to treatment allocation

We describe the development and evaluation of a protocol for digital image collection by the non-professional photographer in a remote setting research trial

Authors:
Bowen AC, Burns K, Tong SYC, Andrews RM, Liddle R, O'Meara IM, Westphal DW, Carapetis JR

Authors notes:
PLoS ONE. 2014;9(11):e110395

Keywords:
Camera, digital imaging, medical photography, image quality

Abstract:
With the increasing availability of high quality digital cameras that are easily operated by the non-professional photographer, the utility of using digital images to assess endpoints in clinical research of skin lesions has growing acceptance.

However, rigorous protocols and description of experiences for digital image collection and assessment are not readily available, particularly for research conducted in remote settings.

We describe the development and evaluation of a protocol for digital image collection by the non-professional photographer in a remote setting research trial, together with a novel methodology for assessment of clinical outcomes by an expert panel blinded to treatment allocation.