A Web-based, Educational, Quality-of-life Intervention for Patients with a Chronic Skin Disease: Feasibility and Acceptance in Routine Dermatological Practice

Abstract

Chronic skin diseases have a negative impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patient education might contribute to HRQoL improvement. We developed a web-based, educational, HRQoL intervention for patients with a chronic skin disease. We aimed to assess 1) the feasibility of implementing the intervention in routine dermatological practice and patients' daily life, and 2) the acceptance of the intervention by health care providers and patients. Additionally, we aimed to create a patient user profile. We conducted an observational pilot study at 6 dermatological centres, including 105 outpatients. Implementation in routine practice was feasible and acceptable to health care providers. However, implementation in patients' daily life was found not to be entirely feasible. Perceived relevance by patients was low, though patients rated the intervention as convenient and attractive. No univocal user profile was found. Suggestions for improvements of the intervention, e.g. tailoring and adding blended learning components, are discussed.