A Qualitative Examination of the Preferred Language for Patients Discussing Genital Psoriasis With the Physician

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that may affect the genitalia in up to 60% of patients. This is a significant concern to patients; however, they may be too embarrassed to report genital involvement or seek help for it spontaneously. Information on preferred language that would put patients more at ease discussing disease in sensitive areas is lacking. Objective To address language as a barrier to care in patients with psoriasis by identifying preferred terminology when discussing genital involvement of the disease with physicians. Methods A qualitative study was performed that consisted of one-on-one interviews with patients with psoriasis; thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Themes included (1) personal experience with genital psoriasis; (2) timespan between genital psoriasis symptom onset and diagnosis; (3) patient–provider communication; (4) patient–provider preference, and (5) patient terminology preference. Conclusion Our study highlights providers’ failure to ask psoriasis patients about genital involvement of the disease and variation in patient response on preferred language when discussing sensitive topics. Dermatologists may need to be cognizant of the patient’s comfort level using verbal and nonverbal communication and tailor their approach to the individual.