Real-World Treatment Patterns, Resource Use and Costs in Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Derma-Atopic Study in Spain

Development of a Patient Journey Map for Improving Patient Experience and Quality of Atopic Dermatitis Care

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects both children and adults. AD increases the risk of developing comorbidities like asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergies. AD patients face difficulties, including itching, lack of effective treatments, lack of funding and discomfort in seeking a diagnosis or treatment. This study aims to identify the main barriers and opportunities to improve the experience of patients with AD and provide high-quality care.

METHODS

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals were recruited from the Dermatology Department at Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Interviews with patients, caregivers and professionals were performed. Participants used storyboards to depict their preferred scenarios for improving healthcare interactions and create a Patient Journey Map.

RESULTS

A total of 15 participants were included in the study. Early symptoms of AD were commonly described as undefined stages. As symptoms worsened, patients and caregivers expressed uncertainty and frustration. Patients became concerned about AD after their first serious flare and started experiencing intense itching, eczema, wounds, shedding or asthma. Topical corticosteroids were used to manage flares, but their effectiveness diminished over time, causing further frustration. Because of the ineffectiveness of their initial treatments, dermatologists observed that patients tended to downplay symptoms and how they affected their quality of life. The specialized treatment of severe AD significantly changed patients' emotional states. Despite AD's chronic nature, patients strived to enjoy remission periods and cope with flares. Psychological and emotional support was crucial for patients and caregivers, a need addressed by the Patients' School initiative at HUPHM hospital.

CONCLUSION

The severity of AD has a profound impact on patients' lives. Patient and caregiver emotional and social needs can be met by adequate communication, access to effective treatments and comprehensive psychological support.

Consensus of Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy on optimal medication therapy management of atopic dermatitis

AIM

This study's aims are: 1) To use the Delphi method to determine the level of consensus among HPs as regards the factors involved in the current approach to patients with AD; 2) To identify potential areas for improvement in hospital pharmacy in terms of dealing with patients with severe AD; and 3) To contribute to adequate pharmaceutical care for patients with AD by drawing up recommendations.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi survey with participation from HPs from all over Spain. Three theme-based blocks were set out: 1) AD; 2) Management of patients with severe AD in the Hospital Pharmacy setting; and 3) Unmet needs (pathology, patient, treatment and management).

RESULTS

The 42 HPs participating reached a consensus in recognizing the impact of severe AD on the patients suffering from it, the need to encourage adherence and the recommendations to use scales that take into account the patient's quality of life and indicators of the patient's experience. It has also been demonstrated that it is worthwhile evaluating the results in real clinical practice in consensus with other specialists from the multidisciplinary team. Finally, it is advisable to use drugs that have demonstrated long-term effectiveness and safety for patients with severe AD, given the disease´s chronic nature.

CONCLUSIONS

This Delphi consensus highlights the impact of severe AD on patients, the importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, in which HP play a major role. It also highlights the importance of increased access to new drugs to improve health outcomes.

Consensus of Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy on optimal medication therapy management of atopic dermatitis

AIM

This study's aims are: 1) To use the Delphi method to determine the level of consensus among hospital pharmacists (HPs) as regards the factors involved in the current approach to patients with atopic dermatitis (AD); 2) To identify potential areas for improvement in hospital pharmacy in terms of dealing with patients with severe AD; and 3) To contribute to adequate pharmaceutical care for patients with AD by drawing up recommendations.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi survey with participation from HPs from all over Spain. Three theme-based blocks were set out: 1) AD; 2) Management of patients with severe AD in the Hospital Pharmacy setting; and 3) Unmet needs (pathology, patient, treatment and management).

RESULTS

The 42 HPs participating reached a consensus in recognising the impact of severe AD on the patients suffering from it, the need to encourage adherence and the recommendations to use scales that take into account the patient's quality of life and indicators of the patient's experience. It has also been demonstrated that it is worthwhile evaluating the results in real clinical practice in consensus with other specialists from the multidisciplinary team. Finally, it is advisable to use drugs that have demonstrated long-term effectiveness and safety for patients with severe AD, given the disease's chronic nature.

CONCLUSIONS

This Delphi consensus highlights the impact of severe AD on patients, the importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, in which HP play a major role. It also highlights the importance of increased access to new drugs to improve health outcomes.