@article{25996,
  author = {Teasdale K and Wildt G and Das PK and Cunha Lopes Virmond M and De Almeida Galan NG and Prada RBR and Henry M and Amar H},
  title = {The patient perspective of the diagnostic process for leprosy in Brazil. An exploratory study},
  abstract = {<p>Objectives: To explore the patient experience of being diagnosed with leprosy</p>

<p>and the support provided during this process in selected populations in Brazil.</p>

<p>To understand the information needs of patients during diagnosis. To identify</p>

<p>characteristics of patients with different diagnostic experiences. To add to the</p>

<p>evidence base used for improving the diagnostic process for leprosy patients.</p>

<p>Design: A self-constructed questionnaire delivered to 116 participants, at three</p>

<p>leprosy health centres, across three states in Brazil.</p>

<p>Results: Most participants felt under-informed during diagnosis; 68·1% wanted</p>

<p>more information about leprosy. Nearly one-quarter of patients reported feeling</p>

<p>unable to ask questions at diagnosis. Almost half of patients reported being worried</p>

<p>about treatment, yet 43·3% reported not having the chance to talk about their</p>

<p>concerns. Younger participants were significantly more likely to report feeling unable</p>

<p>to ask questions and talk about their worries. The majority of participants (59·5%)</p>

<p>reported not being given any written information to take away with them. 36·5%</p>

<p>reported not being given advice about how to reduce the chance of other family</p>

<p>members becoming ill with leprosy. Older males were most likely to be given this</p>

<p>advice despite females being in most contact with family members in most cultures.</p>

<p>Conclusions: It is recommended that patients are encouraged to ask questions and</p>

<p>invited to talk about their concerns, particularly younger patients. It is recommended</p>

<p>that a simple information leaflet be provided to all patients. These suggestions may</p>

<p>require some financial input, more staff and longer consultations but should</p>

<p>significantly improve the diagnostic process.</p>
},
  year = {2015},
  journal = {Leprosy review},
  volume = {86},
  pages = {21–36},
  url = {https://leprosyreview.org/article/86/1/02-1036},
  language = {eng},
}