To follow dermatological treatment regimens--patients' and providers' views

Abstract

Adherence to long-term therapy for chronic illness is on average 50%. However, regarding adherence to dermatological treatment the existing literature is limited. The aim of the study was to acquire an understanding of issues associated with adherence to dermatological therapy. Focus group interviews were used in two types of fora: patients with chronic dermatological diseases and health care providers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists working in dermatological care. Results reveal the providers' view of a suboptimal rate of adherence. According to both providers and patients, factors affecting adherence were patients' expectations and experiences of therapeutic effect, possibilities for the patient to take active part in treatment decisions, as well as mode of administration and type of medication. Suggested strategies for improvement are individualized patient education, continuous treatment support with assessment of medication-taking behaviour and enhanced communication skills among the providers.