Improving Isotretinoin Adherence Through a Patient Navigator

Published: 21 October 2025| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/b2pkv7xs9y.1
Contributors:
Yanel Hernandez, Krittin Supapannachart, Tina Chang, Daniel Klufas, Sarah Coates, Aileen Chang, Erin Amerson

Description

We hypothesized that implementing a structured patient navigator (PN) model would improve isotretinoin adherence among safety-net dermatology patients by reducing preventable barriers such as missed appointments, iPLEDGE-related delays, and pharmacy processing issues. This supplemental file details the operational framework of the PN model implemented at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) Dermatology Clinic. It includes a description of the patient navigator role, supervision structure, communication methods, and workflows for appointment reminders, pharmacy coordination, and iPLEDGE navigation. This supplemental file serves as a practical model for clinics seeking to replicate or adapt the framework for isotretinoin or other medications requiring intensive monitoring. The model highlights the feasibility of using trained medical students or allied health staff to provide care coordination without increasing clinic burden. No patient identifiers or clinical outcomes are included in this file.

Files

Institutions

  • University of California San Francisco

Categories

Dermatology, Health Services Research, Quality Improvement

Licence