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'On the surface': a qualitative study of GPs' and patients' perspectives on psoriasis

Nelson, Pauline A; Barker, Zoë; EM Griffiths, Christopher; Cordingley, Lis; Chew-Graham, Carolyn A

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Authors

Pauline A Nelson

Zoë Barker

Christopher EM Griffiths

Lis Cordingley



Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2% of the UK population and is currently incurable. It produces profound effects on psychological wellbeing and social functioning and has significant associated co-morbidities. The majority of patients with psoriasis are managed in primary care, however in-depth patient and GP perspectives about psoriasis management in this setting are absent from the literature. This article reports an in-depth study which compares and contrasts the perspectives of people with psoriasis and of GPs on the challenges of managing psoriasis in primary care. METHODS: In-depth, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 29 people with psoriasis and 14 GPs. Interviews were coded using principles of Framework Analysis to enable a comparison of patient and practitioner perspectives on key issues and concepts arising from the data. RESULTS: Patients perceived GPs to be lacking in confidence in the assessment and management of psoriasis and both groups felt lacking in knowledge and understanding about the condition. While practitioners recognised that psoriasis has physical, emotional and social impact, they assumed patients had expertise in the condition and may not address these issues in consultations. This resulted in patient dissatisfaction and sub-optimal assessment of severity and impact of psoriasis by GPs. Patients and GPs recognised that psoriasis was not being managed as a complex long-term condition, however this appeared less problematic for GPs than for patients who desired a shared management with their GP incorporating appropriate monitoring and timely reviews. CONCLUSIONS: The research suggests that current routine practice for psoriasis management in primary care is mismatched with the expressed needs of patients. To address these needs, psoriasis must be recognised as a complex long-term condition involving exacting physical, psychological and social demands, co-morbidity and the development of new treatments.General practitioners need to improve both their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of psoriasis. This in turn will facilitate management of the condition in partnership with patients. Commissioning multi-disciplinary services, which focus on long-term impacts on wellbeing and quality of life, might address current deficits in care.

Acceptance Date Oct 11, 2013
Publication Date Oct 20, 2013
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal BMC Family Practice
Print ISSN 1471-2296
Publisher BioMed Central
Pages 158 -?
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-158
Keywords Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attitude of Health Personnel, Clinical Competence, Disease Management, Female, General practitioners, General Practitioners, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, IMPACT Team, Male, Middle Aged, NICE guidelines, Pa
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-158

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