Patients' perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing.
BACKGROUND
Studies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients' perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens.


METHODS
After patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients.


RESULTS
Response rate was 52.1%, 757 surveys returned: 518 women (68.4%) and 239 men (31.6%). More than 75% (578) of respondents were at least "somewhat satisfied" with the process; 51% (388) were "very satisfied." More than half (430, 58.3%) reported improved dermatitis. The 580 patients who had positive reactions remembered a mean of 51.0% of allergens; 198 of these (34.1%) remembered 100%. Of 2547 positive reactions to allergens, 1229 (48.3%) were remembered correctly.


CONCLUSIONS
Limitations were reporting bias and individual interpretations of questions.


CONCLUSIONS
Although patients reported both satisfaction with patch testing and improvement in skin conditions, they forgot more than 40% of identified allergens. Techniques are needed to improve patient recall.
Scalf
Leigh Ann
LA
Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group, the Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Genebriera
Joseph
J
Davis
Mark D P
MD
Farmer
Sara A
SA
Yiannias
James A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
D000485:Allergens