Practical Interventions to Optimize Patient Adherence in Dermatologic Surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Patient Adherence Research

Background:

• Patient nonadherence significantly impacts treatment success, leading to poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
• Suboptimal adherence is prevalent in dermatologic surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), affecting surgical results.
• Poor adherence can result in untreated skin cancers, complications like flap necrosis, and diminished patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present targeted, practical interventions for dermatologic surgeons.
• To improve outcomes for patients at risk of poor adherence.
• To enhance patient compliance in dermatologic surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Conducted literature searches in MEDLINE and Scopus for articles on adherence in dermatologic surgery.
• Assessed articles for evidence levels and assigned grades to recommendations.
• Utilized the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine grading system.

Main Results:

• Identified and described 36 interventions to boost patient adherence.
• Interventions leverage behavioral principles like anchoring and salience.
• Strategies are applicable across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.

Conclusions:

• Nonadherence is a common issue in dermatologic surgery and MMS, causing complications and suboptimal results.
• Assessing the reasons for nonadherence is key for effective management.
• Implementing practical interventions can optimize patient adherence and surgical outcomes.