Patient-Centered Communication Tools for the Patch Test Clinic

Patient-centered communication positively impacts the clinical encounter. Multiple strategies exist to improve communication between providers and their patients; the application and impact of these strategies have been studied in multiple specialties, though little exists regarding communication best practices in the patch test clinic. Because the procedural components of patch testing often span the course of an entire week, effective communication with patients during the patch testing visit is important for not only technical success, but also patient understanding and experience. In this study, we highlight the value of beginning the patch testing visit with clear introductions and agenda setting, improving patient understanding and engagement through methods such as teach backs and cycles of questions and answers that create patient-provider dialogue, and using communication techniques to make expressions of empathy. We provide detailed examples regarding the application of these techniques to the patch testing process, aimed at enhancing the patch testing experience and improving clinical outcomes. Our review exemplifies how dermatologists can leverage communication tools to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes during patch testing.