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Patient Education in Atopic Dermatitis: Why It Is Needed and How to Improve It

  • Atopic Dermatitis (C Vestergaard, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Dermatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Demonstrate the need and objectives of patient education in atopic dermatitis (AD), provide an overview of the most recent studies regarding patient education, and propose new approaches to improve educational programs.

Recent Findings

Different models of patient education programs exist, and their structures depend on social and economic conditions. An active participation of patients is needed to improve new models of educational programs. Healthcare professionals who work with AD patients must have a comprehensive view of the many aspects involved in this disease, which includes psychological, environmental, social, financial, and cultural aspects.

Summary

AD is a complex disease and has a clear impact in patients’ quality of life. Patients are often frustrated and confused by the information they receive. This information can often be conflicting and overwhelming. Education for patients with AD is now being proposed as an important step in major treatment guidelines. Most studies of patient education demonstrate a positive impact in patients’ clinical outcomes, adherence, and quality of life.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Roberto Takaoka & Elisa Coelho

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Av. Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-900, Brazil

    Roberto Takaoka & Elisa Coelho

Authors
  1. Roberto Takaoka
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  2. Elisa Coelho
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Correspondence to Roberto Takaoka.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Atopic Dermatitis

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Takaoka, R., Coelho, E. Patient Education in Atopic Dermatitis: Why It Is Needed and How to Improve It. Curr Derm Rep 7, 221–226 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-018-0241-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-018-0241-x

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