title: Evaluation of patient-perceived satisfaction with photodynamic therapy for Bowen disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to formally evaluate patient concerns and patient-perceived satisfaction with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid for Bowen disease (BD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Initial focus groups and mailout questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  tertiary care hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  a novel 32-item self-reported patient satisfaction questionnaire was mailed out to all patients treated with PDT for BD from January 1, 2000, to March 31, 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  a written questionnaire addressing side effects experienced, self-perceived effectiveness, and the personal and social consequences of PDT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  one hundred thirty-two adults were treated with PDT for BD over this time period. Ninety-five patients (47% male, 53% female) completed the questionnaire. A majority (> 90%) indicated a very favourable impression of the effectiveness of PDT for BD and that side effects were mild. The most significant side effects were a burning sensation (21%) and crusting or scabbing (14%). Side effects were judged to be predictable. The process of treatment and overall time demands were judged by only 7% of respondents to be problematic. The most substantial limitations with PDT were social limitations secondary to treatment (26%), self-consciousness (28%), and skin appearance in the immediate posttreatment period (30%). Respondent reliability in response to questions was excellent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDT is favourably received by those diagnosed with BD. PDT resulted in a high degree of perceived satisfaction for those patients with BD. Based on these data, PDT is supported as a viable method of treatment for BD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Unversity of Western Ontario, London. ON.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Corey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mount
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Vujovic
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gilchrist
authors.forename: Philip C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Doyle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid