Analysis of Dermatology-Related Search Engine Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Patient Demand for Outpatient Services and Telehealth

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a study analyzed Google Trends data to assess public interest in dermatologic conditions and procedures. The study found significant decreases in search volumes for general dermatologic conditions, premalignant and cancerous conditions, and cosmetic procedures during the onset of stay-at-home orders. While interest in general dermatologic conditions returned to prepandemic levels during ongoing social distancing, interest in premalignant and cancerous conditions and cosmetic procedures remained low. These findings suggested that the pandemic influenced patient behavior and highlighted the need for targeted telehealth services to meet patient demand. Future research was recommended to further explore these trends and their implications for dermatologic care.