Background

Hand eczema (HE) has a significant impact on quality of life and work related activities. Little is known about the patients’ perspectives on quality of care for HE.

Objectives

To evaluate the patient perspective of the HE care process in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured focus groups were carried out and recorded, transcribed and analysed by an inductive-deductive thematic approach.

Results

Fifteen patients participated in four focus groups. Time and attention, together with being listened to and understood by the health care professional, were the most important aspects of care for HE mentioned by participants. Other important insights included: Diagnoses, causes and follow-up of HE were not always clear to the participant; more psychosocial support was needed; participants experienced frequent changes in doctors. Information provided by nurses was valuable, but more individualized advice was needed.

Conclusions

In order to better meet the needs of patients, more explanation should be given about the causes of HE and final diagnosis. Besides focusing on the treatment, it is also important to focus on its impact on the patient and options for psychosocial and peer support should be discussed. Furthermore, the specialized nurse as part of integrated care was emphasized.

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