Exploring the burden of actinic keratoses through development of a patient decision aid: a mixed-methods study.

Background: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are present on sun-exposed sites and are considered precursors of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. A better understanding of the experiences of patients with this condition may improve patient-provider relationships and guide the introduction of shared decision-making (SDM) to treatment decisions.

Objectives: To develop a patient decision aid (PDA) for field treatment of multiple AKs in line with the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) by (i) characterizing the burden and lived experiences of patients with multiple AKs, (ii) understanding the decisional needs of patients requiring field treatment, and (iii) exploring clinician preferences regarding field treatment for multiple AKs.