Perspectives of Frontline Clinicians and End-Line Users on Smartphone-Based Photography for Assessing Traumatic Dental Injuries: Focus Group Interview Study and Thematic Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) is increasingly used in teledentistry for telediagnosis and other services; yet, the perceptions of frontline clinicians and end-line users regarding these technologies remain unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the acceptability, feasibility, and usability of an mHealth model for telediagnosis from the perspectives of frontline clinicians and end-line users.

METHODS

A qualitative study using focus group interviews was conducted with 15 participants, including frontline clinicians and end-line users. Frontline clinicians captured dental images via a smartphone app, while end-line users assessed them through an mHealth platform. Interview transcriptions were thematically analyzed using consensus coding.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified 9 key themes: feasibility and perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, compatibility, self-image and social influences, self-efficacy, voluntariness and behavior intention, anxiety, facilitating conditions, and attitudes toward a behavior. Participants considered smartphone-based photography acceptable and feasible for remote dental assessment. Facilitators and barriers to implementing the mHealth model were highlighted, and recommendations for improvements were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclical education and professional development are essential to enhancing user confidence and technology usability. Addressing patient and clinician resistance through targeted education, improved communication, and operational upgrades such as camera grids, system integration, and simplified login can support adoption. This study highlights mHealth's potential in emergency dental assessment and screening, particularly for underserved populations, and underscores opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. Future research should explore broader clinical applications across oral health conditions.