Harmonizing Measurement of Satisfaction With Acne Scar Treatments: Can We All Sing the Same Tune?

The research article discusses the importance of standardizing the measurement of patient satisfaction in acne scar treatments. The researchers conducted a systematic review of 188 studies on patient satisfaction with acne treatment, of which 97 (52%) were on procedural treatment of acne scars. The study found a significant increase in the number of studies reporting treatment satisfaction of acne interventions over time, from 5 in 2001 to 2005 to 42 in 2016 to 2020. The treatments used in these studies varied, including laser and light devices, fillers, radiofrequency, microneedling, topicals/peels, subcision, and a combination of treatments. However, the researchers found a great diversity in how patient satisfaction was measured, which impedes future comparisons of patient-reported treatment satisfaction between studies. The researchers suggest standardizing the measurement of patient satisfaction with a single question and a corresponding 5-point Likert response scale.