A survey to assess use patterns and perceptions of efficacy of eczema action plans among pediatric dermatologists

Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Nov;35(6):e432-e434. doi: 10.1111/pde.13667. Epub 2018 Sep 14.

Abstract

Eczema action plans (EAPs) are written, customizable documents that guide patients through the self-management of atopic dermatitis. Here, we distributed a survey regarding the use patterns and perceptions of eczema action plans to 1068 members of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology and received 87 responses. Although a strong majority of respondents endorsed the ability of EAPs to improve adherence (79%) and improve prevention and/or management of flares (70%), reported rates of EAP editing or provision sharply decline from initial to follow-up visits (61%-33%). The development of a standardized, low-literacy web-based tool could improve the efficacy of EAPs for patients and physicians by improving comprehensibility and retention.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy*
  • Dermatologists / statistics & numerical data
  • Eczema / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning / statistics & numerical data*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires