Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen in both primary care and specialty care alike. It is a debilitating condition that not only affects patients physically, but psychologically, emotionally and socially as well. Depending on the severity of the disease, patients often experience psychosocial disturbances that affect routine daily activities and relationships. Disturbances may include depression, anxierty, and or social isolation. Today, various treatment modalities exist where clinicians may alter and configure treatments to meet the individualized needs of each patient. Treatment modalities may include either traditional approaches in which oral and topical therapies are employed or alternative treatments such as narrow and broad spectrum light therapy, photodynamic therapy and lasers. Although the evidence supports the need for provider recognition for the potential disabilities, decreased quality of life, and alternative treatments for patients afflicted with acne vulgaris, prevailing attitudes of providers indicate little appreciation for meeting the bio-psychosocial needs of these patients. Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this project was to describe Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) attitudes toward dermatological quality of life and the use of phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris before and after participation in an online teaching intervention. Goal: The goal of this evidence-based project was to increase provider awareness and further close the gap the healthcare knowledge about how to best intervene on behalf of patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris. Objectives: The first objective of this evidence-based project was to describe aggregate demographic characteristics of APNs that chose to participate in this evidence-based project. The second objective was to describe pre and post-interventional attitudes of APNs toward dermatological quality of life. The third objective was to describe pre and post-intervention attitudes of APNs regarding acne. The fourth objective was to describe pre and post-intervention attitudes of APNs regarding treatment for acne vulgaris. The last objective was to measure changes in attitudes of APNs toward dermatological quality of life and the use of phototherapy before and after participation in an online teaching intervention. Plan: Phase one of this evidence-based project was to perform a needs assessment. Phase two was to select an evidence-based practice nursing intervention applicable to the need. Phase three was to implement the evidence based intervention to a sample size of 50. Phase four includes the analysis and evaluation of APN attitudes toward dermatological quality of life and the use of phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Outcomes and Results: For the purpose of this study, a descriptive-interventional research design was used. Results of the pre-intervention and post-intervention measures revealed an improvement in APN dermatological quality of life and acne treatment self-assessments and statistically significant improvements in attitudes toward dermatological quality of life, acne, and acne treatment attitudes after participating in an online teaching intervention.
