Exploring patient journeys through acne healthcare: a patient perspective

Authors Femke de Vries, Esther Tjin, Rieke Driessen, Hans Vehof, Peter van de Kerkhof
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Publication date 2021
Research groups Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
Type Article

Summary

Background: Despite the large availability of caregivers, there are no standardized care pathways for patients with acne. This increases the risk of ineffective care and unnecessary medicalizing. To better understand how to provide effective, efficient, and patient-satisfying care, it is necessary to gain insights into the patient journey through acne healthcare services. Objective: To explore the patient journeys, assessed by a series of consecutive steps through acne healthcare. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Dutch individuals with acne. Results: A total of 371 respondents completed the questionnaire. Data revealed 58 different pathways through acne healthcare services. Patient with severe acne had a stronger tendency to seek professional care than those with mild acne (p<.05). The highest proportion of clinically relevant improvement was found in patients treated by dermatologists, compared to respondents treated by beauticians, p¼.023 and dermal therapists, p¼.018. Conclusions: Mapping the patient journeys contributed to a better understanding of the gap between professional guidelines and the experiences of patients. Identifying these areas of care implies that there is potential to bring acne care services more in line with the patients’ needs. Further research is recommended; for example by comparing the clinical treatment outcomes of multiple sequences of caregivers.

On this publication contributed

  • Femke de Vries| Researcher | Research group Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
    Femke de Vries
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
  • Esther Tjin | Researcher | Research group Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
    Esther Tjin
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
  • Hans_Vehof_2020
    Hans Vehof
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology

Language English
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Key words acne vulgaris, help-seeking behavior, patient journey, treatment

Femke de Vries

Femke de Vries| Researcher | Research group Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology

Femke de Vries

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology