Identifying Barriers to Developing Expertise in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of hair-bearing intertriginous areas with a profound impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine what barriers to treatment exist among both HS experts and non-experts.

METHODS

An IRB-approved, anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed to dermatologists through the HS Foundation listserv from June to September 2021.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight total responses were collected from 49 (55.7%) experts and 39 (44.3%) non-experts. Statistically significant differences were found in the comfort level of treating moderate (=0.0001) to severe (<0.0001) disease between experts and non-experts, as well as interest in treating moderate (=0.0001) and severe (<0.0001) disease. Multiple barriers to developing expertise were identified (e.g., access to necessary equipment). HS experts also indicated higher levels of knowledge and experience than non-experts with several medical treatments (e.g., IV Ertapenem, <0.0001).

LIMITATIONS

We were unable to calculate response rate since listserv survey recipients were encouraged to share the survey through their personal networks.

CONCLUSION

This data demonstrates statistically significant differences in levels of comfort and interest between experts and non-experts in treating moderate to severe disease, as well as differences in medical therapies utilized. Furthermore, multiple barriers to expertise were identified by both experts and non-experts.