Exploring Dermatology Patients' Expectations and Experiences of Dermatology

Author: Riley Tracey   Bowman Julie   Jonker Leon  

Publisher: British Dermatological Nursing Group

ISSN: 1477-3368

Source: Dermatological Nursing, Vol.11, Iss.4, 2012-12, pp. : 56-59

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Abstract

Background: Management of dermatology patients has changed with the introduction of Choose & Book, the Closer to Home agenda and reconfiguration of dermatology services to incorporate General Practitioners with a Special Interest (GPwSI). Objective: To assess whether the current configuration works for dermatology patients and meets their expectations. Method: A survey was conducted among patients who attended general out-patient dermatology clinics in a general district hospital. Results: Response rate for the survey was 54/75 (72%). In 52% of cases a choice of referral for further management was given by their usual GP using Choose & Book. A discrepancy existed between what treatment patients expected and how the skin disorder was actually managed: 40% of the total respondents were treated first by their own GP or a GPwSI, even though 64% of the respondents had anticipated being referred directly to a hospital. In this survey patients feel it is more important to see the most qualified clinician than to be seen nearer their home. 61% of responders would prefer to be treated in a hospital setting, rather than at a GPwSI clinic; the latter is preferred by 15% of the respondents. Conclusions: Patients could possibly be better informed about their treatment options and about the role of a GPwSI in dermatology services, through support by their regular GP. Although the sample is biased, since only secondary care patients were surveyed, dermatology patients express a strong preference for hospital-based care, which contradicts the Closer to Home approach applied by policy makers.