Bridging the Gap: Doctor-Patient Communication in Psoriasis Care

Exploring the Communication Gap in Psoriasis Care

In a collaborative effort with the Tokyo Psoriasis Association (NPO法人東京乾癬の会), Medilead, a subsidiary of Cross Marketing Group, conducted a comprehensive survey aimed at uncovering the existing communication gaps between physicians and patients dealing with psoriasis. The survey included responses from 198 participants and sought to shed light on perceptions and expectations surrounding treatment communication.

Background of the Survey

The UPLIFT trial has brought to attention specific gaps in perception between doctors and patients regarding psoriasis treatment. Recognizing that this issue comprises various elements, the survey aimed to deepen understanding from a fresh perspective. By partnering with the Tokyo Psoriasis Association, the initiative sought to explore communication dynamics between patients and their healthcare providers, enhancing the medical experience for those living with psoriasis.

Survey Methodology

Approach

The survey was conducted through an online medium, utilizing the patient panel held by Medilead (MMP: Medilead Marketplace). The Tokyo Psoriasis Association facilitated requests for participation among its members.

Target Population

Participants were required to meet specific criteria:

- Confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and regular treatment visits within the past year.
- Either currently prescribed medication or undergoing treatments such as phototherapy or adherence to treatment regimen.

Timeline

The survey was carried out from January 7 to February 7, 2025.

Key Findings

Focus Areas

The primary focus of this research centered on the communication patterns between doctors/nurses/pharmacists and patients. Key aspects explored included:

- Types of communication employed by healthcare providers beyond basic medication explanations.
- Patient expectations regarding communication from their healthcare team.
- The gap between what is expected by patients and what is actually executed by their providers.
- The types of communication contributing to positive patient evaluations of treatment.

Findings Overview

- Overall Patient Insight: A significant portion of patient expectations regarding communication from their doctors, nurses, and pharmacists were found to be unmet. This indicates a potential misalignment in understanding the informational and emotional needs of psoriasis patients.
- Positive Treatment Evaluations: Among those who rated their experience positively, it was noted that many communication aspects met or exceeded their expectations, leading to better treatment reviews.
- Key Differences in Motivational Aspects: The study revealed a noteworthy gap in patient motivation areas, indicating the critical need for supportive communication regarding treatment objectives. This suggests that when patients feel actively involved in their treatment plan, their evaluation ratings tend to increase significantly.

Insights into Communication Dynamics

From the survey, one particularly striking finding was that patients who felt their physicians effectively engaged with them demonstrated a higher propensity for positive treatment evaluations. Importantly, while many patients expressed a strong desire for information, it was the emotional support and personal engagement by the medical team that appeared to have a more substantial impact on evaluations. One crucial finding was the significance of feeling genuinely heard by healthcare providers; this aspect correlated strongly with higher ratings in patient experiences.

Visual Data and Analysis

To support the findings, several figures were present to outline expectations versus actual communication practices:

- Figure 1: This graph depicted the discrepancy between expectations and actual communication received, showcasing how frequently patients found their needs unmet.
- Figure 2: Displayed the positive evaluations based on responses from engaging patients, indicating a tendency for higher service ratings when communication met or exceeded expectations.
- Figure 3: The last analysis highlighted the differences in the responses of patients actively engaged with their treatment versus those less engaged, further emphasizing the benefits of thorough doctor-patient interaction.

Overall, the findings of this survey underscore the vital importance of bridging communication gaps between doctors and psoriasis patients. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers can significantly enhance treatment experiences, foster better relationships, and ultimately assist patients in managing their condition more effectively.