Premium
Patients' perspectives on quality of care for chronic hand eczema: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Sloot Ma M.,
Loman Laura,
Romeijn Geertruida L. E.,
Rosenberg Fieke M.,
Arents Bernd W. M.,
Schuttelaar Marie L. A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.14020
Subject(s) - psychosocial , focus group , thematic analysis , qualitative research , medicine , referral , nursing , health care , family medicine , psychology , psychiatry , social science , marketing , sociology , economics , business , economic growth
Background Hand eczema (HE) has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and work‐related activities. However, little is known about the patients' perspectives on quality of care for HE. Objectives To evaluate the patient perspective of the HE care process in a tertiary referral center. Methods Qualitative, semi‐structured focus groups were carried out, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive‐deductive thematic approach. Results Fifteen patients participated in four focus groups. Time and attention, together with being listened to and understood by the health care professional, were the most important aspects of care for HE mentioned by participants. Other aspects of care that were regarded as important were that diagnoses, causes and follow‐up of HE were not always clear to the participant; more psychosocial support was needed, and that participants experienced frequent changes in doctors. Information provided by nurses was valuable, but more individualized advice was needed. Conclusions To better meet the needs of patients, more explanation should be given about the causes of HE and the final diagnosis. Besides focusing on the treatment, it is also important to focus on its impact on the patient and options for psychosocial and peer support should be discussed. Furthermore, the beneficial role of the specialized nurse as part of integrated care was emphasized.