1
|
Brown H, Singleton HJ. Atopic eczema and the barriers to treatment adherence for children: a literature review. Nurs Child Young People 2023; 35:21-27. [PMID: 37066679 DOI: 10.7748/ncyp.2023.e1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Atopic eczema is a chronic, non-contagious, relapsing inflammatory skin condition commonly seen in children and adults. Children with atopic eczema often endure complex skincare regimens that can keep the condition under control when managed effectively. Nonadherence, particularly to topical treatments, is one of the most common causes of treatment failure in atopic eczema. This literature review aimed to explore the barriers that influence treatment adherence in children and young people with atopic eczema and identify recommendations for practice. Six studies were included in the literature review and three themes were identified: relationships, medicines concerns and information deficits. Healthcare professionals should strive to develop trusting relationships with parents and understand the barriers to treatment adherence. Individualised conversations and education about medicines concerns, understanding the psychosocial effects of atopic eczema on children and families, and providing clear, consistent advice can be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Brown
- Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, England and former student, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, England
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, Sanderson E, Webb D, Banks J, Sutton E, Shaw AR, Wilkins Z, Clayton J, Roberts A, Garfield K, Liddiard L, Barrett TJ, Lane JA, Baxter H, Howells L, Taylor J, Hay AD, Williams HC, Thomas KS, Santer M. Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT. Health Technol Assess 2023; 27:1-120. [PMID: 37924282 PMCID: PMC10679965 DOI: 10.3310/gzqw6681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emollients are recommended for children with eczema (atopic eczema/dermatitis). A lack of head-to-head comparisons of the effectiveness and acceptability of the different types of emollients has resulted in a 'trial and error' approach to prescribing. Objective To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of four commonly used types of emollients for the treatment of childhood eczema. Design Four group, parallel, individually randomised, superiority randomised clinical trials with a nested qualitative study, completed in 2021. A purposeful sample of parents/children was interviewed at ≈ 4 and ≈ 16 weeks. Setting Primary care (78 general practitioner surgeries) in England. Participants Children aged between 6 months and 12 years with eczema, of at least mild severity, and with no known sensitivity to the study emollients or their constituents. Interventions Study emollients sharing the same characteristics in the four types of lotion, cream, gel or ointment, alongside usual care, and allocated using a web-based randomisation system. Participants were unmasked and the researcher assessing the Eczema Area Severity Index scores was masked. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over 16 weeks. The secondary outcomes were Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over 52 weeks, Eczema Area Severity Index score at 16 weeks, quality of life (Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life, Child Health Utility-9 Dimensions and EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version, scores), Dermatitis Family Impact and satisfaction levels at 16 weeks. Results A total of 550 children were randomised to receive lotion (analysed for primary outcome 131/allocated 137), cream (137/140), gel (130/135) or ointment (126/138). At baseline, 86.0% of participants were white and 46.4% were female. The median (interquartile range) age was 4 (2-8) years and the median Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure score was 9.3 (SD 5.5). There was no evidence of a difference in mean Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over the first 16 weeks between emollient types (global p = 0.765): adjusted Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure pairwise differences - cream-lotion 0.42 (95% confidence interval -0.48 to 1.32), gel-lotion 0.17 (95% confidence interval -0.75 to 1.09), ointment-lotion -0.01 (95% confidence interval -0.93 to 0.91), gel-cream -0.25 (95% confidence interval -1.15 to 0.65), ointment-cream -0.43 (95% confidence interval -1.34 to 0.48) and ointment-gel -0.18 (95% confidence interval -1.11 to 0.75). There was no effect modification by parent expectation, age, disease severity or the application of UK diagnostic criteria, and no differences between groups in any of the secondary outcomes. Median weekly use of allocated emollient, non-allocated emollient and topical corticosteroids was similar across groups. Overall satisfaction was highest for lotions and gels. There was no difference in the number of adverse reactions and there were no significant adverse events. In the nested qualitative study (n = 44 parents, n = 25 children), opinions about the acceptability of creams and ointments varied most, yet problems with all types were reported. Effectiveness may be favoured over acceptability. Parents preferred pumps and bottles over tubs and reported improved knowledge about, and use of, emollients as a result of taking part in the trial. Limitations Parents and clinicians were unmasked to allocation. The findings may not apply to non-study emollients of the same type or to children from more ethnically diverse backgrounds. Conclusions The four emollient types were equally effective. Satisfaction with the same emollient types varies, with different parents/children favouring different ones. Users need to be able to choose from a range of emollient types to find one that suits them. Future work Future work could focus on how best to support shared decision-making of different emollient types and evaluations of other paraffin-based, non-paraffin and 'novel' emollients. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN84540529 and EudraCT 2017-000688-34. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (HTA 15/130/07) and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 19. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Ridd
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sian Wells
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Douglas Webb
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Banks
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Eileen Sutton
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Rg Shaw
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Wilkins
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julie Clayton
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda Roberts
- Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Lyn Liddiard
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tiffany J Barrett
- South West Medicines Information and Training, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - J Athene Lane
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Baxter
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laura Howells
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jodi Taylor
- Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hywel C Williams
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kim S Thomas
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Halewijn KF, Warendorff T, Bohnen AM, Veen M, Pasmans SGMA, Bindels PJE, Elshout G. General practitioners' explanation and advice on childhood eczema and factors influencing their treatment strategy: A qualitative study. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2022; 2:e147. [PMID: 36092268 PMCID: PMC9435457 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children and the majority of children can be treated by the general practitioner (GP). Various factors can influence the GP's treatment strategy and may lead to less effective treatment. The objective is to gain insight into the treatment goal, treatment strategy, explanation and advice given by GPs when dealing with AD in children and to explore which factors play a role in the choice of pharmacological treatment. Methods Semi‐structured interviews in primary care in the Netherlands were audio‐recorded and transcribed. All data were analysed according to the six‐steps approach of inductive thematic analysis. Results We interviewed 16 GPs. Treatment goals mainly focussed on the short term. GPs discussed the importance of emollient use and emphasised emollients as the basis of treatment. We found that several factors played a role in prescribing topical corticosteroids (TCS); severity of the AD, age of the child, skin type, corticophobia among parents and GPs, experience of side effects and dermatological experience. GPs reported giving limited advice about the use of TCS and prescribed medication that is not recommended by the guideline. Conclusion Various factors seem to influence GPs' treatment strategy for AD in children. More attention and education about the use and safety of TCS in children during GP training, continuous medical education, probably improve treatment in line with guidelines and can lead to more confidence and knowledge about TCS among GPs, which ultimately may improve the education and self‐management of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn F. van Halewijn
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Tessa Warendorff
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Arthur M. Bohnen
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Mario Veen
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne G. M. A. Pasmans
- Department of Dermatology, Center of Pediatric Dermatology Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Patrick J. E. Bindels
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Elshout
- Department of General Practice Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam Rotterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
O'Connor C, Dhonncha EN, Murphy M. "His first word was 'cream'." The burden of treatment in pediatric atopic dermatitis-A mixed methods study. Dermatol Ther 2021; 35:e15273. [PMID: 34914164 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The burden of treatment (BOT) is the workload of health care experienced by patients with chronic conditions and consequences on well-being. This study aimed to assess the BOT of atopic dermatitis (AD) on children and caregivers using mixed methods. The quantitative component of this mixed methods study involved the Treatment Burden Questionnaire. The qualitative component involved interviews with parents of children with moderate-severe AD. The questionnaire was completed by 168 parents; 32.1% had mild AD, 39.9% had moderate AD, and 28% had severe AD. The average burden score was 3.5 (out of 10). Average burden scores were low in mild AD (1.0 out of 10) and were proportionally higher in moderate (3.9 out of 10) and severe (5.8 out of 10) AD (p < 0.001). Increased frequency of therapy had increased perceived burden. In moderate-severe AD, oral therapy was rated as less burdensome than topical therapies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 parents of children with moderate-severe AD. Thematic analysis grouped experiences into health care burden, treatment burden, and financial burden. Insights from health care burden analysis included "mixed messages," "treatment futility," and "expectant resolution." Insights from treatment burden included treatment routine, schooling impact, and "topical-sparing" with systemic treatment. Factors of financial burden included topical treatments, clothing, and health care visits. Moderate-severe AD is associated with high BOT, particularly related to topical therapies, which may be reduced by systemic treatment. All physicians treating children with AD should avoid potentially damaging communication regarding mixed messages, treatment futility, and expectant resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathal O'Connor
- Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eilis Nic Dhonncha
- Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michelle Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Steele M, Howells L, Santer M, Sivyer K, Lawton S, Roberts A, Teasdale E, Muller I, Greenwell K. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected eczema self-management and help seeking? A qualitative interview study with young people and parents/carers of children with eczema. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2021; 1:e59. [PMID: 34514465 PMCID: PMC8420339 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Eczema can have a considerable impact on quality of life. Treatments can improve this, but management is complex. Barriers to eczema self‐management may be impacted upon by environmental context, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Objectives To explore experiences of eczema, self‐management, and accessing healthcare and advice during the COVID‐19 pandemic among young people with eczema and parents/carers of children with eczema. Methods Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 36 participants recruited from general practices as part of randomised controlled trials of online eczema resources. Results Changes to everyday life—Periods of staying at home due to the pandemic alter the burden of eczema, with reports of an improved routine and application of topical treatments for many, but difficulties with handwashing for others. Parents/carers reported improved eczema control due to closures of educational settings. Young people reported higher stress that may have triggered eczema flare‐ups. Changes to access to advice and treatment—There was a reluctance to seek medical appointments in a non‐emergency situation. Participants reported a lack of trust in the outcome of telephone consultations because health professionals were unable to see or feel the skin. Delays or difficulties when obtaining appointments and treatments caused frustration. Access to an online eczema resource was reported to have extra value in the context of the pandemic. Conclusion Changes to lifestyle and access to healthcare during the pandemic have affected eczema and self‐management. Healthcare settings may want to consider providing extra reassurance around remote consultations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Steele
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton Southampton UK.,Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology School of Psychology Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - L Howells
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology School of Medicine University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
| | - M Santer
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - K Sivyer
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Health University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
| | - S Lawton
- Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Rotherham UK
| | - A Roberts
- Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema Nottingham UK
| | - E Teasdale
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - I Muller
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - K Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology School of Psychology Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Southampton Southampton UK
| |
Collapse
|