Patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives of the atopic dermatitis journey

Abstract

Background

Understanding the patient journey is important to optimize care for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and overcome challenges in diagnosis and management.

Objective

To explore patient and caregiver perspectives regarding their experience with AD.

Methods

Patients and caregivers of patients with AD completed a pre-meeting survey and were invited to join an advisory board meeting in their country (China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan and Lebanon) to discuss the survey results. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results

The survey included 31 participants (patients and caregivers) from Hong Kong (n = 7), China (n = 7), Ireland (n = 6), Japan (n = 6) and Lebanon (n = 5). The most challenging factors in the AD journey were management of symptoms before a confirmed diagnosis (68%), sudden recurrence of flares or worsening of symptoms (68%) and lifestyle changes (52%). In terms of overall AD management, 35% of participants indicated that AD was managed well, 23% had a clear treatment plan and 19% were generally satisfied with disease management. A collaborative relationship with healthcare professionals was favored.

Conclusion

A holistic assessment of AD includes understanding patient and caregiver preferences, needs, experiences and disease perceptions. Addressing the identified gaps may improve the management of AD.

Keywords:

• Patient
• caregiver
• atopic dermatitis
• perspectives

Acknowledgments

Editorial and medical writing support, under the guidance of the authors, was provided by David Gibson, PhD, CMPP, and Chantell Hayward, PharmD, at ApotheCom, San Francisco, CA, USA, and was funded by Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA, in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP 2022) guidelines (Ann Intern Med. 2022;175(9):1298–1304. doi: 10.7326/M22-1460).

Author contributions

All authors prepared and revised the draft manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

Steven R. Feldman has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Pfizer Inc., AbbVie, Accordant, Almirall, Arcutis, Arena, Argenx, Alovtech, Amgen, Biocon, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Caremark, Celgene, Dermavant, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline/Stiefel, Eurofins, Forte, Galderma, Helsinn, Informa, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Menlo, Merck & Co., Micreos, Mylan, National Biological Corporation, National Psoriasis Foundation, Novan, Novartis, Ono, Ortho Dermatology, Qurient, Regeneron, Samsung, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, Tealdoc, UCB, UpToDate, and vTv Therapeutics. He is the founder and part owner of Causa Research and owns stock in Sensal Health. Alson Wai Ming Chan has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Pfizer Inc., Abbott, AbbVie, ALK, Novartis, Sanofi and Stallergenes Greer. Alfred Ammoury has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Pfizer Inc., AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis and Sanofi. Jianzhong Zhang has received speaking and/or consulting support from Pfizer Inc. Akio Tanaka has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Maruho, Otsuka Pharma, Sanofi, and Torii Pharma. XingXiang Shi has no conflict of interest to declare. Amy Cha and Helen Tran are employees and shareholders of Pfizer Inc.

Data availability statement

Upon request, and subject to review, Pfizer will provide the data that support the findings of this study. Subject to certain criteria, conditions and exceptions, Pfizer may also provide access to the related individual de-identified participant data. See https://www.pfizer.com/science/clinical-trials/trial-data-and-results for more information.