The psychosocial effects of skin diseases: need for support groups

Abstract

Patients with psoriasis may be psychologically vulnerable and suffer social isolation as a result of physical disfigurement. It is important that nurses are able to assess the psychological needs of patients and, where necessary, facilitate the development of positive coping strategies. Staff and patients in the dermatology department at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, set up a support group to try to address these issues. One year on, an evaluation of the efficacy of the group has shown that such gatherings are essential to the psychological wellbeing of individuals with skin complaints.

The Psychological Impact of Psoriasis

“…After reviewing studies written about the stigmatizing visibility of psoriasis, Burr and Gradwell (1996) established a small support group of six individuals facilitated by a nurse practitioner. A year later, the support group grew to 30 to 35 members, attending by choice as necessary, depending on their individual emotional needs.…”

Dermatoepidemiology

“…Several validated indices quantify aspects of skin disease morbidity such as quality of life, [23][24][25][26] taking into account the multifactorial relationships between skin conditions and physical, emotional, and psychosocial outcomes. 27,28 Epidemiology helps identify modifiable causal factors of disease for potential intervention. Primary prevention consists of preventing disease before it arises.…”

Forum til fortrolighet og mestring

“…Slik understreker van Manen betydningen av et forum for refleksjon (23). Forskningsartikler beskriver følelsesmessig støtte, fellesskap og hjelp til å forstå kvinnerollen som pasientresultater av grupper som intervensjon i helsetjenesten til kronisk syke (2,3,4,5,6). Støtte og nettverksstyrking pekes på som kvaliteter i pasientfellesskapet generelt (26).…”

“…Veiledning i grupper beskrives å ha en positiv innvirkning på pasientenes helsefremmende atferd. Pasientene kan dele erfaringer og få styrket sitt sosiale nettverk (1,2,3,4,5,6). Pasientveiledningsgruppen skulle vaere et tilbud til polikliniske pasienter.…”