%0 Journal Article
%T Patients' Expectations and Satisfaction with the Patient-Doctor Relationship in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
%A Rymaszewska JE
%A Karczewski M
%A Krajewski PK
%A Matusiak Ł
%A Maj J
%A Szepietowski JC
%J Healthcare (Basel)
%V 11
%N 24
%D 2023 Dec 11
%M 38132029
%F 3.16
%R 10.3390/healthcare11243139
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with a vast psychosocial burden. We analyzed the actual and ideal patient-doctor relationship and patients' satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship in relation to their satisfaction with life (SWL), HS-related quality of life, and psychopathological symptoms.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>105 HS patients (53% females; mean age 37.64 ± 14.01 years) were enrolled. Severity of the disease was measured using Hurley staging and the International HS Score System (IHS4). Instruments utilized: Patient Expectation Test; Satisfaction with Life Scale; HS Quality of Life; Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; General Health Questionnaire.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Patients with Hurley I and mild IHS4 had the lowest satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship. There were significant correlations between the actual patient-doctor relationship and the patients' SWL (r = 0.30; p = 0.002), depressive (r = -0.36; p < 0.01), anxiety (r = 0.37; p < 0.01) and psychopathological symptoms (r = -0.47; p < 0.0001) and between the satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship and their SWL (r = -0.32; p = 0.00098). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant influence of the following factors: Hurley II + III, psychopathological symptoms, and severe anxiety about the actual patient-doctor relationship and the satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Assessment of relations between patients and doctors is related to the patients' mental health and SWL. The usage of the Patient Expectation Test in clinical practice can improve the patient-doctor relationship and the general quality of care for and compliance by HS patients.