[Expectation of patients and caregivers about patient education for immune thrombocytopenia]

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) durably affects quality of life in patients. Patient education aims at improving their self-care and psychosocial skills, allowing them be more autonomous, to prevent avoidable complications, and to maintain or improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess patients' and caregivers' expectations regarding patient education in ITP.

METHOD

ITP Patients and caregivers were asked about topics that should be addressed in a patient education program through a digital anonymous survey. Their responses were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A double-blind keyword attribution of the answers was carried out by two physicians and then faced until consensus was found.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight ITP patients were included: 68% were less than 50 years old and 84% had chronic ITP. On the other hand, twenty-five caregivers were included. Caregivers raised more topics related to the cognitive domain than patients. The psychoaffective and motivational topics tended to be more represented in patients' responses. Only 53% of topics were mentioned by both patients and caregivers.

CONCLUSION

These discrepancies emphasize the differences between patients and caregivers' expectations regarding a patient education program in ITP, and thus the relevance of patient-caregiver co-construction of such programs.

[Five years' experience of cosmetic camouflage of disfiguring skin disorders: Patient satisfaction]

INTRODUCTION

Living with disfiguring disorders can impair the emotional well-being and relationships of patients as well as their social and professional life. Since 2010, courses in medical cosmetic correction for disfiguring diseases have been conducted at the dermatology department of the Timone University Hospital in Marseille and they form part of an educational program. The aim of this study was to assess the satisfaction of patients taking part in this program.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 55 patients taking part in make-up sessions from January 2010 to December 2014 and subsequently completing a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 46 years with most being women (n=49, 89 %). They presented pigmentary disorders (54.5 %), inflammatory diseases (27.3 %) and scars (18.2 %). 75 % of patients stated that they had improved their knowledge and 82 % remarked that the technique was personalized to their needs. The technique was considered as easy by 62 % and reproducible by 87 % of patients. 55 % of patients considered that cosmetic camouflage improved their quality of life and 56 % stated that it helped them accept the gaze of others.

CONCLUSION

In our study skin camouflage appears easy to use and meets patient expectations.