Improving Patient Education With an Eczema Action Plan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shi VY, Nanda S, Lee K, et al. — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A major challenge to atopic dermatitis (AD) management lies in its complex treatment, which must be tailored for both acute exacerbations and long-term maintenance. The addition of a written eczema action plan (EAP) to the routine verbal instruction (VI) may enhance patients' understanding of AD and facilitate treatment adherence. This randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effect of a written EAP on patient and caregiver understanding of AD, distress level regarding treatment regimen, and preference for the addition of an EAP compared with those receiving traditional in-office VI.

Engaging Patients in Eczema Care From Planning Through Implementation Comment on “Improving Patient Education With an Eczema Action Plan” Patient-Centered Eczema Care

Clayman ML. — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Although the use of visual aids and action plans is not new in chronic disease management, their use in the dermatologic setting is relatively novel. Engaging patients with eczema in their treatment planning is essential because the patients have a disease that is incurable and relies heavily on patient management of triggers and symptoms. As demonstrated by Shi et al, patients find a visual aid helpful and acceptable when discussing treatment for their eczema. More than mere instructions, an action plan details daily management, avoidance of triggers, and handling exacerbations. It is not currently known if dermatologists currently give instructions to patients that focus solely on routine or include other parts of an action plan. One practice gap is that we do not know what proportion of dermatologists think of eczema as a disease that merits the creation of a patient action plan and is well suited to this paradigm of management.

JAMA Dermatology: Patient-Physician Relationship/Care Topic Collection

Improving Patient Education With an Eczema Action Plan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Engaging Patients in Eczema Care From Planning Through Implementation Comment on “Improving Patient Education With an Eczema Action Plan” Patient-Centered Eczema Care