\"Patient Perspective\" Column Template printable pdf download

“Patient Perspective” Column Template

June 2013

The purpose of this column is for patients to share their experiences with a dermatologic problem in

order to educate dermatology nurses and nurse practitioners. This template is a guide to help you as

you tell your story, however, we encourage you to be true to your own writing style and share your

experience in a way that makes sense to you. BMJ has a series

“A Patient’s

Journey”, which may be

helpful for you to peruse and see how other patients have told their stories.

Background:

Please share any relevant details to support or lead in to your story, such as age, past medical or surgical

history, family history, anything related to your diagnosis (for example, if writing about your experience

with skin cancer, include history of tanning bed use or if writing about eczema, include allergy history or

any sensitivities to certain skin care products).

Signs and symptoms/presentation:

What were your first signs and symptoms? Did you notice a change in your skin or did someone else first

notice a change? How long after noticing a skin change did you see a healthcare provider? What was the

sequence of events that led you to your healthcare provider? Who/what type of provider did you

initially see? Were you referred elsewhere? What type of provider(s) ultimately managed your

condition?

Diagnosis:

What diagnostic testing did you undergo? Where was it done? Did you understand the purpose of the

testing? Were you educated about what to expect? How were results presented to you? Did you

understand the results?

Treatments

What treatments were necessary to treat your condition? How was the decision to treat made? Did you

have options? Were options presented to you clearly?

Complications

Did you experience any complications as a result of your disorder or its treatment? Were you aware of

this/these potential complications? How were they managed?

Follow-up

Where are you now? Is your condition resolved? Are treatments or follow-up visits ongoing?

What you’ve learned/advice to others/advice to nurses and NPs

\"Patient Perspective\" Column Template