title: An audit of the value of patch testing and its effect on quality of life.
abstract: We have assessed the value of patch testing from the patient's perspective and examined the impact of patch testing on their quality of life (QoL). 140 patients were recruited over 5 months. 2 questionnaires were designed to investigate the patient's views on patch testing. The 1st questionnaire was completed at the final visit to the clinic and the 2nd was posted 6 weeks later. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was completed on both occasions. There was a significant improvement of the DLQI score in all patch-tested subjects (P = 0.003). Patients with involvement of the trunk had worse QoL. At the 4-day visit, 77 patients (55%) expressed the opinion that patch testing had been helpful. 6 weeks later, 71 patients replied. 47 patients were diagnosed as having allergic contact dermatitis: 87% of them found that patch testing had been useful, 91% were able to avoid the allergen(s) and 57% reported improvement/clearing in their skin condition. 58% of the 24 patients with negative results also found that patch testing had been beneficial. Overall, patient perception was that they understood verbal information (92%) better than written information (76%). Patch testing is beneficial to patients, leading to improved QoL. Patient perception was that they understood verbal advice better than written information.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK. pickngorwoo@hotmail.com
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Woo
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Ormerod
mesh_terms: D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D010328:Patch Tests; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires