Psoriasis Patients' Reflections on Provider Information Giving: Perceptions of Actual and Desired Experiences at Diagnosis

Abstract

Background Psoriasis adversely impacts patients' quality of life, yet few studies have explored patients' experiences at diagnosis, a pivotal though largely negative time for any patient suffering from chronic disease. Objective Our objective was to identify potential shortcomings in the content and process of information delivery from the patient's perspective. Methods Twenty-three psoriasis patients completed an online survey regarding information they considered valuable at diagnosis and, in retrospect, content they would like to have received. Results Responses were subjected to a qualitative content analysis that revealed several themes: need for information and options, discussion of time and effort to find the right treatment, for providers to offer hope, and discussion of the psychosocial impact of psoriasis. Conclusions Many patients perceived negative actual experiences at diagnosis that were incongruent with their desired experiences. Psoriasis patients wanted information about disease and management, acknowledgement of psychosocial impact, and an empathetic mode of communication.