Dermatological care of elderly people with psoriasis before and after entering a nursing home : A qualitative analysis from the perspective of medical providers

Hautarzt. 2022 Apr 28:1-7. doi: 10.1007/s00105-022-04989-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Demographic changes are causing a rapid increase in the number of people over 65 years of age. This is associated with an increase in the number of multimorbid patients in need of care. Nationally as well as internationally, there is little information on the treatment of psoriasis patients in the nursing home setting and on the question of how this is influenced by entry into a nursing home.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to discuss the results of previous routine data analyses on the treatment of psoriasis patients in nursing homes with medical providers (dermatologists, general practitioners, nursing service managers, and nursing staff) on the basis of interviews and focus groups, to identify difficulties in the treatment and finally to derive recommendations for action regarding sustainable gerontodermatological treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative guideline-based interviews and focus groups with dermatologists (n = 5), general practitioners (GPs, n = 7), nurses (n = 7), and care managers (n = 2) were conducted. The data were evaluated by content analysis.

RESULTS: The analyses resulted in 344 statements, which could be categorized into 14 main topics. The results show that there is a need for improvement in the quality of care for people with skin diseases, especially psoriasis, in nursing homes. This is evident at both the medical and nursing levels. According to the providers (N = 21), this can be addressed in particular through increased remote consultations (telemedicine), dermatological training for GPs and nurses, and closer cooperation between the individual disciplines.

CONCLUSION: Remote consultations, but also a specific guideline on the "skin of the ageing person" can be useful to improve the dermatological care situation in nursing homes and thus increase the well-being of those affected.

PMID:35482046 | PMC:PMC9047578 | DOI:10.1007/s00105-022-04989-4