Effects of systematic patient education in skin care and protection in a hand eczema clinic.
BACKGROUND
Hand eczema has a high impact on patients' quality of life. The treatment focuses on improving skin barrier function.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects and acceptance of a novel educational program for patients with hand eczema.


METHODS
Retrospectively, the records of 36 patients who attended the prevention program and follow-up visits were analyzed. Physician global assessment (PGA) scores, acceptance and behavioral changes were assessed.


RESULTS
In 67% of patients, an improvement of the hand eczema could be attributed to the effects of our educational program. The mean PGA score significantly decreased from 3 before education to 2.2 during follow-up. Behavioral changes in both skin care and protection were reported in 81 and 86%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Our educational program had a positive effect on clinical outcome as well as adherence to skin care and protection measures. Its integration in a hand eczema clinic was feasible and well accepted by the patients.
Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Berne, Switzerland.
Michela A M
MA
Corti
Regina
R
Stirnimann
Luca
L
Borradori
Dagmar
D
Simon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004485:Eczema / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents