Disease progression and wait times in dermatological patients v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of wait time on patients referred to dermatology: a patient experience study
IRAS ID
217342
Contact name
Leila Ferguson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 20 days
Research summary
Patients suffering from dermatological conditions face lengthy wait times to access secondary care with the UK National Health Service. Firstly, GPs may delay referral until a patient’s disease has failed certain treatment(s) and significantly progressed to warrant specialist input. Secondly, NHS choices estimates the time from GP referral to being seen in the Dermatology department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is approximately 18 weeks for 9 out of 10 patients in July 2016. During this wait time, disease progression may not be monitored and patients cannot receive treatments beyond those available in primary care. Any worsening of symptoms, or an extended period of disability prior to commencing dermatological treatment, may contribute to patient distress and lead to a negative healthcare experience.
This patient experience study will be conducted at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to help clinicians understand how disease severity in dermatological patients impacts their life during their referral wait time. The study will be conducted using 15 minute long self-reported questionnaires offered to new patients being seen in secondary care clinics.
The questionnaire will examine features of disease progression during wait times including worsening of symptoms, effects on activities of daily life based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and psychological effects of prolonged wait times. The study will also explore the patients’ perception of their wait time and if disease severity correlates to a misperception of wait time.
Knowledge gleaned from this study will help clinicians understand the evolution of dermatological diseases during wait times, and the anxieties felt by patients prior to being seen in secondary care. By appreciating how disease progression affects patient satisfaction during wait times, clinicians can recognize the effects that wait times have and help build the relationship between patients and healthcare providers
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2070
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion