Dermatology nurses view on factors related to Danish psoriasis patients' adherence to topical drugs: a focus group study

Mathias Tiedemann Svendsen, Steven R Feldman, Sylvia Naiga Tiedemann, Anne Sofie Stochholm Sørensen, Cecilie Marie Ringgaard Rivas, Klaus Ejner Andersen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Topical medications are first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, but adherence is low, which negatively affects patients' outcomes and quality of life. Nurses can play a central role in patient care, particularly in improving adherence.Objectives: To explore the experience of dermatology nurses with psoriasis patients' adherence to topical drugs.Methods: We conducted a semi-structured focus group study with 6 dermatology nurses and 2 dermatology nursing students. Participants were recruited from a dermatology hospital outpatient clinic. Data were analyzed by a systematic text condensation method with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.Results: Nurses experienced that factors such as social inequality, patient-centered nursing, and patients' quality of life can have an influence on adherence.Conclusion: Optimal adherence to topical treatments is a complex exercise and is influenced by many different factors. Involving nurses when prescribing topical treatments may be beneficial since they are one of the most trustworthy professions and have a holistic view on psoriasis severity, patient preferences, health care resources available and socioeconomic factors.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Dermatological Treatment
Volume32
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)497-502
Number of pages6
ISSN0954-6634
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Adherence
  • nurses
  • psoriasis
  • topical drugs

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