Communication Concepts for Prevention and Early Intervention in Aesthetic Medicine: Consensus and Literature Review
September 2017 | Volume 16 | Issue 9 | Original Article | 859 | Copyright © September 2017
Uliana Gout MD,a Chytra V. Anand MD,b Andre Braz MD,c Yates Yen Yu Chao MD,d Sabrina Guillen Fabi MD FAAD FAACS,e Martina Kerscher MD PhD,f Marina Landau MD,g Tatjana Pavicic MD,h Peter Hsien Li Peng MD,i Berthold Rzany MD ScM,j Gerhard Sattler MD,k Tunk Tiryaki MD,l Heidi A. Waldorf MD,m and Thierry Besins MDn
aLondon Aesthetic Medicine, London, United Kingdom bKosmoderma Skin & Hair Clinics, Bangalore, India cClÃnica Dr. André Braz Serviços Médicos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil dChao Institute of Aesthetic Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan eCosmetic-Laser Dermatology, San Diego, California and Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, CA fUniversity of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany gWolfson Medical Center, Dermatology, Holon, Israel hPrivate Practice, Munich, Germany iP-Skin Professional Clinic, Kaohsiung, Taiwan jRZANY & HUND, Berlin, Germany kRosenparkklinik, Darmstadt, Germany lCELLEST Plastic Surgery Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey mWaldorf Dermatology Aesthetics, Nanuet, NY and Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY nCentre Esthétique Saint George, Nice, France
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Communication concepts relating to prevention and early intervention (P&E) within aesthetic medicine are poorly understood and highly underexplored. However, effective communication is a key criterion for successful outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: To introduce the framework for P&E communication strategies within a younger population and explore the barriers that may be encountered.
METHODS: A literature review on P&E communication strategies in aesthetic medicine and related topics of interest was conducted and used to construct a working framework that may be applied in clinical practice.
RESULTS: Examination of existing literature revealed a need for a more structured communication framework for P&E encompassing up-to-date evidence-based learning and educational marketing that is tailored to individual needs and target populations. Message framing—the way in which a message is presented—is an important consideration in the dissemination of information to promote changes in health behaviour. A structured consultation is key to optimising patient engagement and ensures a tailored approach to understanding and catering to the specific needs of each patient.
CONCLUSION: This is the first paper to discuss the communication concepts behind P&E within aesthetic medicine and paves the way for further research and focus in this significant field.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(9):859-864.
INTRODUCTION
Prevention and early intervention (P&E) is a relatively new concept in aesthetic medicine, with minimal research and few publications to date.1-3 At such an early stage, discussion around the importance of communication strategies regarding P&E has hardly been broached. However, effective communication is a key criterion for both patients and practitioners alike.4 A recent consensus report examined the evidence for P&E in facial rejuvenation and proposed comprehensive recommendations for treatment.3 As a follow-up discussion, this paper introduces the framework for communication of P&E strategies within a younger population and explores the barriers that may be encountered.
METHODS
In March 2016, a group of specialists within the field of aesthetic medicine gathered to discuss treatment recommendations and communication concepts for P&E in individuals with no or minimal signs of aging.3 Definitions of P&E were based on a set of
