A recent study shows artificial intelligence (AI) skin cancer detection tools are valued more highly when supported by a teledermatologist.
Researchers conducted a survey-based mixed-methods study embedded within a randomised controlled trial in the Netherlands. Between August 2022 and February 2023, 11,621 individuals were invited, with 1,953 completing the questionnaire. Participants had a mean age of 58.4 years; 57.6% were female and 95.4% reported a light skin type. Almost half had a high educational level, and 79.4% had previously used an AI-based app.
The study assessed willingness to pay for three hypothetical approaches to skin cancer risk detection; an AI-based app alone, an AI app with teledermatologist involvement and an in-person dermatologist consultation.
Median willingness to pay was €5 for AI alone, €20 for AI combined with teledermatology and €50 for an in-person dermatologist consultation. Age was the only characteristic positively associated with willingness to pay across all three scenarios. Physical dermatologist consultations remained the most highly valued option.
Qualitative findings suggested lower willingness to pay stemmed from limited trust in AI, perceived lack of value or expectations of free healthcare.