Rachael M. Hewitt, Rachael Pattinson, Lis Cordingley, Christopher E.M. Griffiths, C. Elise Kleyn, Helen McAteer, Julia Schofield, Chris Bundy
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3802

The Psoriasis and Well-being (PsoWell)™ training programme, incorporating motivational interviewing, improves clinicians’ knowledge and skills to manage complex psoriasis, including behaviour change. The aims of this study were to deliver the PsoWell™ training programme to dermatology specialists, and to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing the PsoWell™ model across dermatology services. Framework analysis of 19 qualitative semi-structured interviews was performed, following delivery of nine, 1-day PsoWell™ training days involving 119 participants. Two themes were identified: “Perceptions and Priorities” and “Awareness”, sub-divided into: “Awareness Not Competence” and “Increasing Awareness”. The PsoWell™ model was found to be acceptable and feasible to implement across dermatology settings. Participants were more skilled and motivated to address psycho­logical issues, including behaviour change, but wanted further training to ensure competency. The trainees claimed that scepticism among some colleagues regarding whole-patient management might prevent uptake. Data show­ing the impact on health outcomes are needed and might overcome scepticism. Remote consultation could adopt the PsoWell™ approach.

Dermatology clinicians considered the PsoWell™ model acceptable and feasible to implement in a broad range of UK dermatology service settings. The brief training described here facilitated clinicians’ knowledge and consultation skills for behaviour change. Participants felt that not understanding the importance of behaviour change in managing psoriasis was a barrier to implementing PsoWell™ in clinical practice. This approach to whole-patient management and service delivery could be adopted for remote dermatology consultations, both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrating that PsoWell™ improves patient health is the next step and might help to reduce these barriers to its use in clinical settings.

Appendix S1