Patient and physician perspectives vary on atopic dermatitis.
We compared the written responses of physicians (n=303) and patients (n=961) from a nationwide US survey concerning atopic dermatitis (AD). Physicians, primarily dermatologists, responded to 32 questions, and patients responded to 44 questions about AD and its management. Most physicians and patients were in agreement regarding disease severity, the relative lack of effectiveness of over-the-counter products, concerns about drug adverse effects, and the need for more patient support groups. However, physicians were more concerned about long-term adverse effects than were patients. Additionally, 91% of physicians versus 46% of patients rated prescription medications as "moderately" or "very" effective. Patients were generally pleased with their overall AD-related medical care: 42% were "a lot" or "very" satisfied, while only 8% were dissatisfied. Although physician and patient perceptions sometimes differed, both groups preferred treatments offering greater effectiveness, fewer adverse effects, and greater applicability to the pediatric population.
McAlister
Robert O
RO
National Eczema Association for Science and Education, Portland, Oregon, USA. romca@aol.com
Tofte
Susan J
SJ
Doyle
Joseph J
JJ
Jackson
Archi
A
Hanifin
Jon M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D003879:Dermatologic Agents