Hospital-Based versus Home-Based Phototherapy: Patient Perceptions and Preferences in Thailand

Punyanut Yothachai; Nuttaporn Nuntawisuttiwong; Teerapat Wannawittayapa; Teerapat Paringkarn; Pimlapas Sombutkaew; Wipawee Kunanopparat; Surapat Aranchaiya; Chayada Chaiyabutr; Chanisada Wongpraparut; Narumol Silpa-archa

Authors

Punyanut Yothachai Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Nuttaporn Nuntawisuttiwong Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Teerapat Wannawittayapa Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Teerapat Paringkarn Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pimlapas Sombutkaew Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Wipawee Kunanopparat Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Surapat Aranchaiya Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Chayada Chaiyabutr Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Chanisada Wongpraparut Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Narumol Silpa-archa Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Home-Based Phototherapy, Hospital-Based Phototherapy, Narrowband UVB Phototherapy, Vitiligo, Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for various dermatologic conditions. However, hospital-based phototherapy poses accessibility challenges for many patients. This study aimed to explore Thai patients' perceptions, experiences, and barriers related to phototherapy, particularly home-based NB-UVB treatment.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 dermatology patients at Siriraj Hospital who had received phototherapy for at least one month. Data on demographics, treatment experiences, and factors influencing phototherapy choices were collected and analyzed.

Results: Among 240 Thai patients undergoing phototherapy, 96.7% had exclusively received hospital-based phototherapy, while only 3.3% had current or prior experience with home-based devices. Hospital-based phototherapy was most frequently perceived as the safest (93.7%) and most effective (84.9%) treatment modality. Only 2.5% and 3.8% of patients, respectively, perceived home-based phototherapy as the safest or most effective option. For long-term treatment, hospital-based phototherapy remained the preferred modality for 76.1% of patients and was considered the most cost-effective by 69.0%. Half of the participants (50.0%) identified home-based phototherapy as the most convenient option, compared with 47.5% favoring hospital-based treatment. Despite limited prior use, 47.1% of patients expressed interest in home-based phototherapy, with major perceived barriers including high device cost (66.1%), concerns regarding treatment efficacy (46.6%), and safety (44.3%). No significant differences were found in phototherapy perceptions across dermatologic conditions.

Conclusion: Despite limited use, there is growing interest in home-based phototherapy among Thai patients. Addressing awareness, affordability, and safety concerns-alongside integrating telehealth and supportive policies, may improve access and adherence while reducing healthcare burdens.

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