Exploring patient journeys through acne healthcare: a patient perspective

Auteurs Femke de Vries , Esther Tjin , Rieke Driessen , Hans Vehof , Peter van de Kerkhof
Gepubliceerd in Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Publicatiedatum 2021
Lectoraat Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie
Soort publicatie Artikel

Samenvatting

Background: Despite the large availability of caregivers, there are no standardized care pathways for patients with acne. This increases the risk of ineffective care and unnecessary medicalizing. To better understand how to provide effective, efficient, and patient-satisfying care, it is necessary to gain insights into the patient journey through acne healthcare services. Objective: To explore the patient journeys, assessed by a series of consecutive steps through acne healthcare. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Dutch individuals with acne. Results: A total of 371 respondents completed the questionnaire. Data revealed 58 different pathways through acne healthcare services. Patient with severe acne had a stronger tendency to seek professional care than those with mild acne (p<.05). The highest proportion of clinically relevant improvement was found in patients treated by dermatologists, compared to respondents treated by beauticians, p¼.023 and dermal therapists, p¼.018. Conclusions: Mapping the patient journeys contributed to a better understanding of the gap between professional guidelines and the experiences of patients. Identifying these areas of care implies that there is potential to bring acne care services more in line with the patients’ needs. Further research is recommended; for example by comparing the clinical treatment outcomes of multiple sequences of caregivers.

Aan deze publicatie werkten mee

  • Dr. Femke de Vries
    Femke de Vries
    • Onderzoeker
    • Lectoraat: Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie
  • Esther Tjin | onderzoeker | lectoraat Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie
    Esther Tjin
    • Onderzoeker
    • Lectoraat: Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie
  • Hans Vehof
    • Promovendus
    • Lectoraat: Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie

Taal Engels
Gepubliceerd in Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Trefwoorden acne vulgaris, help-seeking behavior, patient journey, treatment

Femke de Vries

Dr. Femke de Vries

Femke de Vries

  • Onderzoeker
  • Lectoraat: Innovatie van Zorgprocessen in de Farmacie