Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital has launched a 'Patient School' in its Dermatology department to address five chronic skin conditions through theoretical and practical workshops.
Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, part of the public health network of the Community of Madrid, has initiated a pioneering program in its Dermatology department: a Patient School aimed at those living with chronic skin diseases. The initiative seeks to empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition and reduce associated comorbidities.
Five chronic conditions in focus
The school focuses on five diseases: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, and vitiligo. Patients participate in small groups, organised by condition, to receive specific training. The workshops are led by a multidisciplinary team that includes dermatologists, a psychologist, nurses, and specialists from other areas such as Rheumatology, Nutrition, and Pharmacy.
According to Dr. Mercedes Hospital, a specialist in Dermatology at the hospital, the goal is for patients to become more involved in their treatment and prevent the onset of associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular or metabolic issues. “Driven by this idea, we decided to promote the establishment of a Patient School in Dermatology,” the doctor states.
Comprehensive training beyond the skin
The workshops not only address clinical aspects but also the psychosocial impact of these conditions. Participants learn to prevent and detect associated health problems early, as well as to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression that may arise. The general health psychologist Marta Loro Pérez, attached to the service, is part of the teaching team to work on the emotional sphere.
The Patient School is supported by the pharmaceutical industry, but its focus is purely care and educational. Patients attend theoretical and practical sessions that allow them to better understand their illness and share experiences with others affected.
A model that already works for other conditions
Patient schools have proven to be an effective tool in managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension. In Dermatology, the Madrid hospital applies this model for the first time in the region, with the intention of improving the quality of life of patients and reducing emergency visits and consultations. The program takes place in the hospital itself, in periodic sessions tailored to the needs of each group.
For the residents of Majadahonda and the Metropolitan West area, this initiative represents an additional healthcare resource that complements regular care. Interested individuals can inquire at the hospital's Dermatology department about how to participate in the upcoming workshops.
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