Informed Consent Practices for Publication of Patient Images in Dermatology Journals

Informed Consent Practices for Publication of Patient Images in Dermatology Journals
Toluwani Taiwo, Bianca Obiakor, Sarah McClung, Kanade Shinkai
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, September 2024
Abstract
Clinical images play a crucial role in dermatology for patient care and education. The lack of standardized informed consent for publishing images in dermatology journals creates ambiguity for both patients and authors. This cross-sectional study examined informed consent practices in the top 50 dermatology journals based on the 2022 Clarivate Journal Impact Factor ranking. We reviewed journal websites and patient consent forms during June 28 to July 24, 2023 using an author-created checklist compiled from available best practices for image publication. Approximately 90% of journals specified image consent requirements, though there was notable variability in criteria related to image modification, safeguards for anonymity (e.g., eyebars, cropping, blurring), and the definition of identifiable features. Examples of identifiable features (e.g., tattoos, birthmarks, jewelry) were provided in 14% of journals. Despite the prevalence of social media presence among journals (70%), only 6% acknowledged potential risks associated with image dissemination on these platforms. While around 52% of journals presented journal or publisher-specific consent forms, inclusion of essential components, guided by International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines, varied. Notably, 77% of these forms explicitly addressed how images could be disseminated beyond print publication, with 39% detailing patients’ ability to revoke consent, and 19% considering the possibility of patients benefiting financially from publication. Our assessment revealed inconsistencies in image consent practices across journals and their associated consent forms for patients. These findings highlight important opportunities for improvement, including uniform consent guidelines and standardized definitions of identifiable features to protect patient privacy in medical image publication.