Needs and preferences of patients regarding atopic dermatitis care in the era of new therapeutic options: a qualitative study

Linde E.M. de Wijs*, Sven van Egmond, Arjan C.A. Devillers, Tamar Nijsten, Dirk Jan Hijnen, Marjolein Lugtenberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
38 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

To optimally tailor atopic dermatitis (AD) care to patients’ needs, especially considering the many emerging therapeutic options, insight into patients’ needs and preferences regarding AD care is needed. To explore patients’ needs and preferences regarding AD care, a qualitative study consisting of three focus groups with a total of 20 adult AD patients was conducted. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and inductively analyzed using several phases of coding to create an overview of patients’ needs and preferences. AD patients emphasized the need for a patient-tailored approach in all identified aspects of AD care. With regard to consultations, patients stressed the need for a personal approach and increased recognition of the disease impact, which should mainly be determined by patients. With regard to the organization of AD care, the need for psychosocial and medical supportive care as well as quick access to health-care providers during disease flares was emphasized. Within the decision-making process, patients indicated that the provided information, the role of the patient and physician, whether or not treatment goals should be set, and decisive factors for indication and feasibility of novel therapies should be patient dependent. AD care should be patient tailored with increased attention for the psychosocial burden, as well as better access to health care during disease flares. To provide patient-tailored care, the personal situation, needs, and preferences of the patient should be taken into account in the therapeutic decision-making process, with respect for the autonomy of the patient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)75-83
Number of pages9
JournalArchives of Dermatological Research
Volume315
Issue number1
Early online date2 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding: This study was multi-sponsored by Leo Pharma BV, Galderma and Janssen. None of the companies had involvement in the
study design; collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in writing
the report; nor in the decision to sbutmit the article for publication.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).

Funding Information:
The authors would like to thank the patients for participating in the focus groups and K.R. van Straalen for English language editing.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).

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