Theme 2: the feeling of validation
’d, acne
SAID, ACNE
This second theme describes how participants felt a sense of validation from the opportunity to take part in the SAFA trial. Many participants reported that previous treatment had been ineffective and felt that the burden of acne was not considered as serious by their GP. Access to the SAFA trial appeared to counter these feelings and made patients believe their acne was being ‘taken seriously’.Some women, before becoming aware of the SAFA trial, had approached their GPs and, unsuccessfully, requested Spironolactone as a treatment option. Once enrolled participants said they felt grateful that they could try a new treatment and receive access to specialist support that they otherwise may not have had.My GP had never put me forward to go to the hospital. She’d always just said try different things. Seeing a nurse who is like a dermatologist specialist, and like the doctor, was really useful. Jasmine, age 22Participants described how, from initial contact, site research staff delivering the trial had a significant impact on their experience. Participants discussed how they felt valued when they received a quick response to their online expression of interest, which included being talked through the trial remotely or in person by a member of the research team and the opportunity to ask questions.I found that the team at the Hospital were really friendly and welcoming.. I was also kept informed by the team at the hospital about next steps, and that was explained really well to me. I felt like they were really welcoming for me to ask questions as well. I had a really positive experience. Katy, age 27The importance of making time to talk to participants was highlighted when one woman shared her experience of feeling bombarded with medical jargon, questions, and a lot of information during her in-person visits. She justified the experience by believing it was the nature of the job and the strain COVID had put on the staff.The lady who ran those [in-person visits], she sometimes was practically running in front of me from room to room and it was just all very like [makes sound], it’s quite hectic.. I just needed a bit of time to go through it a bit slower with me and help me understand what they were saying. Emily, age 26Participants appreciated being provided with the choice of how to complete their follow-up trial visit (e.g. in-person or remotely). Providing the option allowed many to overcome work, care and travel barriers in a time-efficient manner and because the trial and research teams worked around them, it made them feel as though their input was valued...I was getting all the kids in the car ready for the school run and she was like, ‘Are you sure you can talk now?.. She was always happy to call back or call around what I was doing. So that was really good; very flexible. Kat, age 30