A psychosocial support website from the British Association of Dermatologists for people living with a skin condition: mixed methods evaluation

Heapy, Connor, Montgomery, Kerry, Ersser, Steven, Gass, Matt, Goad, Nina and Thompson, Andrew R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-7222 2020. A psychosocial support website from the British Association of Dermatologists for people living with a skin condition: mixed methods evaluation. JMIR Dermatology 3 (1) , e17052. 10.2196/17052

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Abstract

Background: There is a lack of psychological support for individuals with skin conditions, and few low-intensity self-help interventions are available. Objective: This study aimed to test the acceptability and usability of a support website and its embedded self-help resources. Methods: A mixed methods approach was utilized. A total of 583 participants (426 with a skin condition, 97 relatives and friends, and 60 dermatology professionals) viewed the British Association of Dermatologist’s SkinSupport website and then completed a survey about their well-being and the usability of the website. A comparison group comprising 816 participants also completed the well-being measures. In total, 37 participants (19 living with a skin condition, and the relatives and friends of individuals with a skin condition, and 18 dermatology professionals) viewed the SkinSupport website and then took part in focus groups. Participants were recruited via social media, professional networks, and volunteer lists. Data from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Both quantitative and qualitative responses suggest that the SkinSupport website was viewed positively by both patients and health professionals. Overall, 79.8% (417/523) of individuals with a skin condition, and the relatives and friends of individuals with a skin condition, said that they would use the website again; and 86.7% (52/60) of dermatology professionals said that they would recommend the site to somebody with a skin condition. Qualitative responses related to the website fell into 4 key themes: (1) appearance, (2) use and navigation, (3) information, and (4) areas for development. Conclusions: The SkinSupport website was considered acceptable and usable. A range of areas requiring modification were identified. The website provides a useful resource that patients can access freely. Given the lack of services available to patients with skin conditions, health care professionals could routinely inform patients of this resource at assessment

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Additional Information:	This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
Publisher:	JMIR Publications
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 April 2021
Date of Acceptance:	8 April 2020
Last Modified:	03 May 2023 16:47
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/140689

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