Diagnosing HS in UK Primary Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Patient and Healthcare Professionals Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Diagnosing Hidradenitis Suppurativa in UK Primary Care
IRAS ID
335937
Contact name
Hannah Wainman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 27 days
Research summary
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin, mostly in areas like the armpits or groin. It greatly affects people’s quality of life, including their mental and physical health, and is linked to other serious conditions like heart disease and depression. Many people wait years for a diagnosis, and those with less money, women, and people with pigmented skin are more likely to be affected. Early diagnosis is important to avoid serious complications, but delays are common. Patients often see multiple doctors and are misdiagnosed several times before HS is correctly identified.
In this study we aim to explore why people with HS are diagnosed late in the UK and what could help speed up diagnosis. First, we will ask patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to complete questionnaires. Next, we will interview the patients and HCPs. We will explore how HCPs in primary care currently recognise and treat HS and what kind of support could help them make a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
The results will inform the next stage of the project, which is to develop a tool to help HCPs in primary care to spot HS earlier. People living with HS helped shape this project to ensure that the research is relevant and valuable. The overall aim is to improve the diagnosis and care of people with HS across the UK.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
25/WA/0369
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion