Dietz JBN, Simonsen ABN, Menné T, Ahlstrøm MG, Flyvholm MA, Blomberg MH, Erichsen CY, Meyer HW, Viskum S, Ahrensbøll-Friis U, John SM, Johansen JD. Assessing the efficacy of a German-inspired intervention on occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark: A randomised controlled trial with 3-month follow-up.
Contact Dermatitis 2024;
90:280-290. [PMID:
38052587 DOI:
10.1111/cod.14457]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a prevalent, often chronic disease that poses a risk for job loss and decreased quality of life. In Germany, a multi-step prevention programme emphasising early detection and highly specialised multidisciplinary treatment has been implemented with great success.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effectiveness of a Danish-adapted version of the German prevention effort on OCD severity, quality of life and occupational consequences at 3-month follow-up.
METHODS
Randomised, controlled trial. Participants were recruited after the first referral from General Practitioner to Dermatologist with suspected OCD. The intervention group (IG) received a Danish-adapted, multidisciplinary intervention, while the control group (CG) navigated the Danish healthcare system without interference from the study. OCD severity, occupational consequences and quality of life were assessed at 3-month follow-up using self-reported questionnaires.
RESULTS
A statistically significant decrease in the severity of eczema was found at 3-month follow-up in the IG compared to the CG. The IG were statistically significantly more likely to have seen a dermatologist at 3-month follow-up. Higher treatment level in the IG was indicated by the results but was not statistically significant. No significant difference was found in quality of life or occupational consequences.
CONCLUSIONS
These initial findings suggest that early and specialised treatment of OCD improves OCD prognosis.
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