Identifying unmet needs in SSc-ILD by semi-qualitative in-depth interviews.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Interstitial lung disease is frequent in SSc (SSc-ILD) and associates with significantly reduced quality of life. Here we aimed to analyse patient pathways, and experiences of patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) in order to identify unmet needs in the management of SSc-ILD patients.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted in eight European countries looked at HCP (n = 95) and patient perspectives (n = 47) using two sets of 70 research questions. Pre-diagnostic, diagnostic and post-diagnostic phases of the patient pathway were systematically explored.

Results

(i) In the pre-diagnostic phase several gaps were identified by HCPs and patients in all participating countries: limited disease knowledge among primary care physicians and specia

SUBMITTER: Hoffmann-Vold AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8788003 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature