Patient’ Experiences of Pain and Pain Relief During Photodynamic Therapy on Actinic Keratoses: An Interview Study

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known, effective method for treating extensive areas of multiple actinic keratoses in the face and scalp. The main side-effect of PDT is the pain experienced during treatment. The objective of this study was to explore and describe patient’ experiences of PDT. The study used individual interviews, and analysis was carried out using phenomenography. The patients had all been treated with PDT for actinic keratoses on the face and scalp, and experienced PDT with and without nerve blocks. The results are presented in 3 themes and 10 categories. Most patients reported that the nerve blocks given prior to PDT altered their experience of pain. Alternative options are needed to reduce pain during PDT based on patient’ needs and body site. This study adds a patient perspective highlight-ing patient’ own voices as a qualitative complement to statistical analysis using the visual analogue scale.