Providing comprehensive education ensures patients understand their treatment and achieve optimal outcomes. Phothera can provide supporting materials to facilitate communication with patients about phototherapy.
Examples of available materials
Understanding Phototherapy:
- Explain how phototherapy works for their specific condition
- Discuss treatment goals and realistic expectations
- Review the timeline for seeing results (typically 4-8 weeks)
- Emphasize the importance of treatment consistency
Device-Specific Materials:
- Proper device operation and safety features
- Controller type explanation (e.g., Guided Mode, Dosimetry, etc.)
- Understanding treatment software and refill codes
- Recognizing when to contact provider for support
Essential Safety Components:
UV Safety Protocols:
- Proper protective eyewear usage (never treat without goggles)
- Skin assessment before and after treatment
- Recognition of normal vs. concerning skin reactions
- Understanding of erythema (expected mild reddening)
Device Safety Features:
- Exposure-limiting software functionality
- Automatic dose progression with ClearLink controllers
- Emergency stop procedures
- Proper device maintenance and cleaning
Treatment Safety Principles:
- Following prescribed treatment schedule (e.g., typically 3x per week)
- Avoiding overtreatment or "catch-up" treatments
- Proper positioning during treatment
- When to discontinue treatment and contact provider
Treatment Expectations Setting
Timeline for Results:
- Initial improvement typically seen in 2-4 weeks
- Significant improvement usually occurs by 6-8 weeks
- Maximum benefit often achieved by 12-16 weeks
- Maintenance treatments may be needed long-term
Normal Treatment Responses:
- Mild erythema (reddening) is expected and indicates effective treatment
- Gradual clearing of lesions from center outward
- Possible temporary darkening before improvement (in some conditions)
- Individual response rates vary significantly
When to Contact Provider:
- Excessive burning or pain during treatment
- Blistering or severe skin reactions
- No improvement after 6-8 weeks of consistent treatment
- Questions about dose progression or device operation
Home Setup Guidance
Treatment Environment Requirements:
- Clean, private space for treatment
- Proper ventilation
- Access to electrical outlet
- Storage area for device and accessories
- Child-safe environment if applicable
Device Positioning:
- Stable surface for panel devices
- Proper distance from treatment area (device-specific)
- Adequate space for safe operation
- Good lighting for skin assessment