Logo image
Back
Applying the Triadic Collaborative Framework to Assess Adolescent-Caregiver Perspectives on Acne Management
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Applying the Triadic Collaborative Framework to Assess Adolescent-Caregiver Perspectives on Acne Management

Andrew Murdock, Anna Fischer, Logan Helms and Howa Yeung
Journal of investigative dermatology, v 146(3), S22
Mar 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-202X(26)00624-X

Abstract

Acne affects 85% of adolescents and may lead to scarring, depression, and suicidal ideation. Many self-treat their acne, with few seeking medical care or adhering to treatment. Adolescents rely on caregivers over doctors for acne information, so caregivers may play a key role in acne management. We aim to engage caregivers in supporting adolescent acne care by (1) identifying factors salient to acne management within caregiver-adolescent dyads and (2) evaluating the acceptability of pilot interventions to improve acne management. The Triadic Collaboration Framework (TCF) can explore adolescent-caregiver dyads. The TCF is a patient-centered, caregiver-involved approach that fosters partnerships between adolescents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to generate successful dyadic interventions. For example, one TCF-derived intervention improved adolescent condom usage via workbooks and counseling programs for caregivers. TCF could be adapted for acne management, given caregivers’ high interest in adolescent acne information. Drawbacks to TCF include scheduling difficulties and the influence of power dynamics on participant responses. We developed and will pilot a semi-structured interview guide, informed by the TCF and prior dyadic interviews. We will interview adolescent-caregiver pairs until thematic saturation is achieved (n = 30 maximum pairings). Responses will inform interventions leveraging caregiver-adolescent interactions to improve acne management. Layperson Summary: Acne impacts most adolescents, but many do not treat their acne. Caregivers want to help adolescents manage their acne, and adolescents want their help. We need to understand how we can better involve caregivers in acne management. For this project, we will interview 30 adolescents and their caregivers individually and together to describe how they communicate, choose treatment, and maintain treatment for adolescent acne. We will also explore how they view pilot interventions tailored to both the adolescent and caregiver, such as educational materials, treatment decision aids, and patient activation tools. We will include diverse perspectives by interviewing adolescents of various genders. We are presenting our guide that will be used to interview participants. The adolescent and caregiver perspectives from these interviews will help us develop resources to improve acne care.

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image