Informed Consent Practices for Publication of Patient Images in Dermatology Journals: A Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Clinical images play a crucial role in dermatology, yet standardized informed consent guidelines for publishing patient images in dermatology journals are lacking. This cross-sectional study examined informed consent practices for publication of patient images in the top 50 dermatology journals based on the 2022 Clarivate Journal Impact Factor ranking. Our assessment revealed inconsistencies in image consent practices across journals and their associated consent forms for patients. While approximately 90% of journals specified image consent requirements, there was notable variability in criteria related to image modification, safeguards for anonymity (e.g., eyebars, cropping, blurring), and the definition of identifiable features. These findings emphasize the need for more uniform consent guidelines, standardized definitions of identifiable features, and transparent communication regarding possible image dissemination avenues to protect patient privacy in medical image publication.