Patients' Experiences of Primary Healthcare and Dermatology Provision for Alopecia

June 2023

Fabio Zucchelli, Marije van Dalen, Nick Sharratt, Amy J. Johnson, J. Chambers

alopecia primary healthcare dermatology GP appointments psychological impact healthcare professionals training for GPs primary and secondary healthcare

TLDR Alopecia patients in the UK want more empathy and better care from healthcare providers, including more GP training on alopecia and improved care pathways.

The study aimed to understand the experiences of alopecia patients with primary healthcare and dermatology services in the UK. An online survey was distributed to UK-based individuals with alopecia, and the responses were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings revealed that participants had neutral to partial dissatisfaction with their initial GP appointments, although satisfaction improved with subsequent visits. Participants expressed a desire for more support and understanding about the psychological impact of alopecia. The study concluded that there is a need for more empathy and care from healthcare professionals, additional training for GPs on alopecia, and a more streamlined pathway between primary and secondary healthcare for patients.

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