Introduction
In the realm of special education and healthcare, the challenge of ensuring adherence to prescribed treatments is a persistent issue. The research article "Long-term improvement of psoriasis patients’ adherence to topical drugs: testing a patient-supporting intervention delivered by healthcare professionals" provides valuable insights into how practitioners can enhance their skills to improve patient outcomes. This blog will explore how these findings can be applied in practice, particularly for those providing online therapy services like TinyEYE.
Understanding the Research
The study focuses on psoriasis, a chronic skin condition affecting 2-4% of the Western adult population. It highlights the socio-economic burden of the disease and the critical role of adherence to topical treatments in managing symptoms. The research tested a patient-supporting intervention delivered by dermatology nurses, aiming to improve adherence and reduce the severity of psoriasis.
Key Findings
The intervention involved regular consultations with dermatology nurses who provided personalized support, reminder systems, accountability, and trust-building measures. The study found that such interventions significantly improved adherence to topical drugs, reduced psoriasis severity, and were cost-effective compared to standard procedures.
Implementing the Findings
For practitioners, especially those involved in online therapy services, implementing similar patient-support interventions can enhance treatment adherence and outcomes. Here are some practical steps:
- Personalized Support: Tailor interventions to individual patient needs, ensuring that support is consistent and personalized.
- Reminder Systems: Utilize digital tools to set up reminder systems that prompt patients to adhere to their treatment schedules.
- Accountability: Establish accountability measures, such as follow-up calls or messages, to encourage patients to stay on track with their treatment.
- Trust-Building: Foster a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients to increase confidence in the prescribed treatment.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a robust framework for improving adherence, further research is essential to adapt these interventions to various healthcare settings, including online therapy platforms. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional strategies and technologies that can complement these interventions.
Conclusion
By integrating patient-support interventions into their practice, healthcare professionals can significantly enhance adherence to treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper offers a comprehensive overview of the intervention and its impact.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Long-term improvement of psoriasis patients’ adherence to topical drugs: testing a patient-supporting intervention delivered by healthcare professionals.
