Munther Zureigat1, Karen Fildes2, Athena Hammond3, Jo-Ann See4, Andrew Bonney5, Judy Mullan6. 1. MBBS, FRACGP, Illawarra and South Practice Research Network, University of Wollongong, NSW. 2. BA, BSc (Hons), PhD, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong; Health Impact Research Cluster, University of Wollongong, NSW. 3. BMid, RM, PhD, General Practice Academic Unit, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW. 4. MBBS, FACD, dermatologist, Central Sydney Dermatology, Illawarra and South Practice Research Network, University of Wollongong, NSW. 5. MBBS, MFM (Clin), PhD, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW. 6. BPharm, BA, FSHPA, PhD, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW; Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population, University of Wollongong, NSW.
Abstract
METHOD: A qualitative descriptive study collected data via telephone interviews with 20 purposively sampled GPs working in New South Wales. A thematic analysis guided by the study objectives was undertaken. RESULTS: The participating GPs had divergent management approaches to acne treatment, infrequently provided acne patients with written resources, and would value additional dermatological support. Furthermore, the GPs recognised psychosocial ramifications and patient distress as drivers for treatment and expedited referral to dermatologists. DISCUSSION: Avenues for improved patient outcomes include explicit attention to psychological morbidity beyond treatment of the acne itself and improved use of patient educational materials, along with consistent collaboration between GPs and dermatologists.
METHOD: A qualitative descriptive study collected data via telephone interviews with 20 purposively sampled GPs working in New South Wales. A thematic analysis guided by the study objectives was undertaken. RESULTS: The participating GPs had divergent management approaches to acne treatment, infrequently provided acnepatients with written resources, and would value additional dermatological support. Furthermore, the GPs recognised psychosocial ramifications and patient distress as drivers for treatment and expedited referral to dermatologists. DISCUSSION: Avenues for improved patient outcomes include explicit attention to psychological morbidity beyond treatment of the acne itself and improved use of patient educational materials, along with consistent collaboration between GPs and dermatologists.