Patients’ Expectations and Satisfaction with the Patient–Doctor Relationship in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with a vast psychosocial burden. We analyzed the actual and ideal patient–doctor relationship and patients’ satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship in relation to their satisfaction with life (SWL), HS-related quality of life, and psychopathological symptoms. Methods: 105 HS patients (53% females; mean age 37.64 ± 14.01 years) were enrolled. Severity of the disease was measured using Hurley staging and the International HS Score System (IHS4). Instruments utilized: Patient Expectation Test; Satisfaction with Life Scale; HS Quality of Life; Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; General Health Questionnaire. Results: Patients with Hurley I and mild IHS4 had the lowest satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship. There were significant correlations between the actual patient–doctor relationship and the patients’ SWL (r = 0.30; p = 0.002), depressive (r = −0.36; p < 0.01), anxiety (r = 0.37; p < 0.01) and psychopathological symptoms (r = −0.47; p < 0.0001) and between the satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship and their SWL (r = −0.32; p = 0.00098). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant influence of the following factors: Hurley II + III, psychopathological symptoms, and severe anxiety about the actual patient–doctor relationship and the satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship. Conclusions: Assessment of relations between patients and doctors is related to the patients’ mental health and SWL. The usage of the Patient Expectation Test in clinical practice can improve the patient–doctor relationship and the general quality of care for and compliance by HS patients.