Dermatology nurses view on factors related to Danish psoriasis patients’ adherence to topical drugs: a focus group study

Abstract

Background

Topical medications are first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, but adherence is low, which negatively affects patients’ outcomes and quality of life. Nurses can play a central role in patient care, particularly in improving adherence.

Objectives

To explore the experience of dermatology nurses with psoriasis patients’ adherence to topical drugs.

Methods

We conducted a semi-structured focus group study with 6 dermatology nurses and 2 dermatology nursing students. Participants were recruited from a dermatology hospital outpatient clinic. Data were analyzed by a systematic text condensation method with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.

Results

Nurses experienced that factors such as social inequality, patient-centered nursing, and patients’ quality of life can have an influence on adherence.

Conclusion

Optimal adherence to topical treatments is a complex exercise and is influenced by many different factors. Involving nurses when prescribing topical treatments may be beneficial since they are one of the most trustworthy professions and have a holistic view on psoriasis severity, patient preferences, health care resources available and socioeconomic factors.

Keywords:

• Adherence
• nurses
• psoriasis
• topical drugs

Acknowledgments

Nurse Maria Kofoed Jensen helped in recruiting participants. Nurse Camilla Bernild advised on the study design and analysis of data. We thank all participants for their valuable contributions to the study.

Disclosure statement

SRF is a speaker for Janssen and Taro, a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Leo Pharma Inc. and has received grants from Galderma, Janssen, Abbott Labs, Amgen, Celgene, and Anacor. SRF is also a consultant for Amgen, Baxter, Caremark, Gerson Lehrman Group, Guidepoint Global, Hanall Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., Kikaku, Lilly, Merck & Co Inc., Merz Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., Qurient, Suncare Research, and Xenoport, on an advisory board for Pfizer Inc., the founder of and a shareholder in Causa Research, and a shareholder in and majority owner of Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. In addition, he receives royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris.

Additional information

Funding

MTS and KEA have received funding from LEO Pharma.