Patient-centered management of actinic keratosis. Results of a multi-center clinical consensus analyzing non-melanoma skin cancer patient profiles and field-treatment strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a chronic skin condition that can be a precursor to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. AK can recur and patients are likely to undergo multiple treatments. It is important that AK lesions are managed appropriately, and that patients are involved in treatment decisions.Materials and methods: The Supporting Professional Expertise in AK (SPEAK) program aims to facilitate this patient-centered care by identifying patient needs and aiding healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in selecting optimal treatment and communication strategies for different types of patients. Twenty-two dermato-oncologists with established expertise in the treatment of AK collaborated to describe commonly encountered psychosocial patient profiles, and to develop respective communication and treatment strategies.Results and conclusion: Six patient profiles were defined based on different psychosocial characteristics and were used to develop appropriate management approaches. We provide a systematic way of identifying these patient profiles in clinical practice and we outline communication strategies tailored to the primary needs of each type of patient. In addition, we provide recommendations for potential field-treatments that may be best suited for each profile. The recommendations provided here may help improve the communication and relationship between patients and HCPs, resulting in higher treatment adherence and improved patient outcomes.