Research Proposal

Kelly Thai
Independent Research G/T I
2018-2019

Research Title​: More Than Wanting a Pretty Face: Investigating the Impact of Insurance

Coverage on Rosacea Treatment

Overview of Research

This research has been designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effects

rosacea has on mental health and workplace discrimination when left untreated. Without

preventative measures, rosacea can lead to the growth of excess skin tissue known as

rhinophyma and the formation of prominent blood vessels on the face. Insurance does not

typically cover the procedures to correct these conditions if it cannot be proven that it impairs

physical function of the body. In order to prove that rosacea can have serious consequences

beyond cosmetic disfigurement, this research will acquire various accounts of observed effects to

provide personal meaning to current statistical data.

Background and History of the Issue

First documented in the fourteenth century, rosacea has been a pervasive issue for

individuals with the condition. It was originally believed that alcoholism was the cause of

rosacea and would be treated with leeches and bloodletting before the creation of medication that

was applied to the skin in the sixteenth century. Until the twentieth century, rosacea was

commonly associated with acne. This misconception meant that people would receive the same

treatment for rosacea as those with acne which would further irritate skin. Although there is no
known cure for rosacea, research has made great progress in the understanding of the disease and

effective treatments that alleviate its symptoms.

Currently, there are multiple treatment options for rosacea as well as methods to prevent

flare ups; however, few are medically attentive to their condition. Research continues to examine

the causes of rosacea, modes of identification, and its impacts on other bodily systems. As more

knowledge is gathered on this condition, rosacea and its medications will evolve and grow in

order to best aid those afflicted.

Problem Statement and Rationale

Although a common skin disorder, it is not widely recognized by the public. The

symptoms of rosacea can range from subtle to extremely noticeable which has a variety of

consequences on the individual. Research has mainly focused on the the ways rosacea can be

treated or its etiology. The lack of specific data for its effects on daily life is necessary to give a

personal connection to current research and spread awareness. From this research, those with

rosacea will hopefully be better understood as having more than a cosmetic ailment and receive

empathy rather than sympathy.

Research Methodology

● Research Question and Hypothesis

○ To what extent should insurance cover rosacea?

○ The lack of transparency in the cost of treatment deters rosacea patients from

seeking care; therefore, there is a harmful impact on psychosocial health due to

the lasting effects of rosacea symptoms.

● Basis of Hypothesis
 Research has been conducted on a wide variety of the physical effects of rosacea. Despite

its intriguing and promising results, research is often vague or dated. It also does not primarily

focus on the patients with rosacea rather giving statistics that remove personal individualized

accounts. In this hypothesis, it hopes to change that scope to delve deeper into detailed firsthand

accounts of the condition and in-depth analysis of specific side effects that are not predominantly

physical. To date, literature findings are usually isolated to its own topics, but this can be

combined to produce a source in which each piece of information is applied to investigate the

hypothesis.

● Research Design

The research design is qualitative causal-comparative in which a connection will be

proven between likelihood in which one will seek surgery and insurance coverage of rosacea as

well as between discrimination in the workplace, self image, and mental health treatment.

Interviews will be utilized to obtain a variety of accounts from professionals and individuals with

rosacea to understand the effects of the condition from multiple perspectives. These will

culminate to conclude whether insurance should cover surgery for rosacea beyond purely

physical reasons due to its injurious consequences.

● Operational Definitions

● Insurance:​ Insurance refers to all insurance companies and government ran

programs, Medicaid and Medicare, and their subsidiaries such as CareFirst to

Blue Cross Blue Shield.

● Cosmetic disfigurement:​ An individual whose medical condition negatively

impacts one’s appearance.

 ● Surgery:​ This refers to any surgical operations an individual may desire or have

done in order to treat a medical condition directly or indirectly.

● Discrimination​: Deliberate degradation, bias, or harassment against an individual.

● Self image:​ How one perceives their physical and personality traits.

Product Overview

The product of this study will be a powerpoint presentation accompanied with a note

sheet that intends to spread awareness of the issue to high school students that is interested in

learning about this research. The purpose of awareness is to encourage the audience to realize the

challenges that may not be immediately seen in a condition that is considered cosmetic.

Furthermore, the audience will be able to evaluate the product through a written survey

acknowledging and explaining the impact of the presentation upon them such as being inspired

or moved to change their opinion on the topic.

Logistical Considerations

This project requires transportation and technology to interview people in person or

online. Transportation will be parent provided which will be repaid in chores should they request

a mode of payment. In addition to this, with permission to record the interview, a cell phone can

be used to obtain audio of each in person or online interview. Interviews transcribed beyond

three front and back pages can be printed at the Howard High School library which is free. Along

with interviews is primary document analysis; it can use the same technology as the interviews

require. The process on analyzing the documents will need internet connection which is available

at Howard High School or at home.