An exploratory study using framework analysis to investigate health-seeking behaviour in patients with psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Pathways

Background:

• Psoriasis significantly impacts quality of life, affecting employment, relationships, and social function.
• Patients with psoriasis often delay seeking secondary care, with reasons for this delay being poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patient journey, health-seeking behaviors, and referral triggers for secondary care in individuals with psoriasis.
• To identify factors contributing to delayed presentation in psoriasis patients.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen patients newly referred for mild-to-severe psoriasis.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic framework approach.

Main Results:

• The median duration of psoriasis before referral was 15 years.
• Referral drivers included disease severity, comorbidities, treatment awareness, and social influence.
• Late presentation was linked to family history, perceived incurability, tolerance beliefs, and referral difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Understanding delayed presentation is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Early health-seeking behavior offers a critical window for timely and effective psoriasis treatment.
• Intervention can help patients achieve their full life potential by managing psoriasis effectively.