Experiences_and_Expectations_of_a_Psychodermatology_Service_Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study of patients’ expectations and experiences of their psychodermatology service
IRAS ID
176932
Contact name
Anna Ascott
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
A qualitative study of patients’ experiences and expectations of a psychodermatology service
To better understand patients’ experiences and expectations of a psychodermatology service, a qualitative study using interviews will be undertaken. Participants will be recruited from an existing tertiary psychodermatology service at the Royal London Hospital. One interview lasting approximately forty minutes will be held on the day of their routine outpatient appointment.
Currently, literature related to psychodermatology services is confined to the views of clinicians alone, and to the needs rather than the wants of patients. This qualitative research will explore what patients expect from their psychodermatology service, and what they are experiencing. It will ask which elements of the service are helpful to them and their condition and which are not, from their point of view. This information is needed for achieving patient centredness, a conceptual framework regarded as vital for achieving quality in health services.
Psychodermatology clinics manage skin diseases with psychological or psychiatric treatments. It is a subspecialty of dermatology that sees conditions such as dermatitis artefacta, body dysmorphic disorder and acne excoriate, among others. It is known that some patients with psychodermatological conditions seek repeated referrals to different dermatology services and to other specialties, believing that their illness is not being acknowledged. Patients are often resistant to referrals to psychiatry, and can be difficult to engage. A strong relationship between the patient and physician, and a holistic needs assessment is of vital importance to attain engagement and adherence to treatment from these patients.
A greater understanding of the experiences and expectations of this patient group will aid clinicians with psychodermatology patients who are working in general dermatology clinics as well as specialised psychodermatology services.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0078
Date of REC Opinion
17 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion