Patient Eczema Education Pictorial Study (PEEPS): A Pilot Investigation

TL;DR

A one-page pictorial tool improved quality of life and reduced disease severity for eczema patients and caregivers over 2 to 6 months.

Contribution

A novel, efficient pictorial education tool for atopic dermatitis is shown to improve patient outcomes.

Findings

Significant decreases in quality of life scores were observed after using the pictorial tool.

Median disease severity scores also decreased significantly following the intervention.

The tool shows promise for use in both specialist and non-specialist clinics.

Abstract

For optimal control of atopic dermatitis (AD), patient education is essential to complement traditional therapy. Patient education has proven to benefit AD outcomes, but previous methods of delivery are costly and time-consuming.

To assess the effectiveness of a one-page pictorial education tool at improving AD quality of life (QoL) and disease severity.

Patients with AD and caregivers (if patient <18 years) received education with a pictorial education tool. QoL and disease severity were measured at baseline and in follow-up 2 to 6 months after education.

Forty-seven patients and caregivers from speciality clinics in dermatology and allergy received education. At follow-up, there were significant decreases in QoL scores and median disease severity scores.

A pictorial education tool for AD is associated with significant benefits for patients and caregivers after 2 to 6 months. This tool may be valuable for health care providers who are in need of an effective and efficient method of AD education; however, further studies are needed to address identified knowledge gaps and expand to other sites and non-specialist clinics.

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