S van Egmond1,2, M Wakkee1, M Droger2, M T Bastiaens3, A van Rengen4, K P de Roos5, T Nijsten1, M Lugtenberg1,2. 1. Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. 2. Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. 3. Department of Dermatology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands. 4. Department of Dermatology, Mohs Klinieken, Dordrecht, the Netherlands. 5. Department of Dermatology, DermaPark, Uden, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the high and rising incidence rate of keratinocyte cancer (KC) and the importance of incorporating patient values into evidence-based care, few studies have focused on the perspectives of patients with KC. OBJECTIVES: To identify the needs and preferences of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) regarding care. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted consisting of three focus groups with patients with BCC and three focus groups with patients with SCC. In total 42 patients participated. In each focus group, the patients' needs and preferences regarding treatment and follow-up were discussed, using a predefined topic list. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by two researchers. RESULTS: The following needs and preferences were identified: (i) the need to receive all relevant, tailored information; (ii) a physician who takes you seriously and communicates well; (iii) a short waiting period and the best treatment with direct results; (iv) to be seen by the same physician; a preference for a dermatologist during (v) treatment and (vi) follow-up; (vii) a general need for structured follow-up care and (viii) a full-body skin examination during follow-up. Patients with BCC additionally expressed the need for openness and transparency and wanting to participate in shared decision making. CONCLUSIONS: It is advocated to organize skin cancer care that is better tailored to the needs of patients with KC, providing patient-centred care. This should include investing in the patient-physician relationship, and personalizing the type and form of information and the follow-up schedules. Adding the patient's perspective to current guidelines could facilitate this process.
BACKGROUND: Despite the high and rising incidence rate of keratinocyte cancer (KC) and the importance of incorporating patient values into evidence-based care, few studies have focused on the perspectives of patients with KC. OBJECTIVES: To identify the needs and preferences of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) regarding care. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted consisting of three focus groups with patients with BCC and three focus groups with patients with SCC. In total 42 patients participated. In each focus group, the patients' needs and preferences regarding treatment and follow-up were discussed, using a predefined topic list. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by two researchers. RESULTS: The following needs and preferences were identified: (i) the need to receive all relevant, tailored information; (ii) a physician who takes you seriously and communicates well; (iii) a short waiting period and the best treatment with direct results; (iv) to be seen by the same physician; a preference for a dermatologist during (v) treatment and (vi) follow-up; (vii) a general need for structured follow-up care and (viii) a full-body skin examination during follow-up. Patients with BCC additionally expressed the need for openness and transparency and wanting to participate in shared decision making. CONCLUSIONS: It is advocated to organize skin cancer care that is better tailored to the needs of patients with KC, providing patient-centred care. This should include investing in the patient-physician relationship, and personalizing the type and form of information and the follow-up schedules. Adding the patient's perspective to current guidelines could facilitate this process.
Authors: Kerri-Anne R Mitchell; Kelly J Brassil; Serena A Rodriguez; Edward Tsai; Kayo Fujimoto; Kate J Krause; L Aubree Shay; Andrew E Springer Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2020-08-23 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Lindy Paulina Johanna Arts; Rick Waalboer-Spuij; Kees-Peter de Roos; Monique R T M Thissen; Luc J Scheijmans; Mieke J Aarts; Simone Oerlemans; Marnix L M Lybeert; Marieke W J Louwman Journal: Dermatology Date: 2019-08-21 Impact factor: 5.366
Authors: E C Noels; M Lugtenberg; S van Egmond; S M Droger; P A J Buis; T Nijsten; M Wakkee Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2019-03-15 Impact factor: 9.302