Experience report: support group meetings for patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in childhood, with estimated worldwide prevalence of about 15% to 20% of children and 1% to 10% of adults. Recent studies correlate it with negative sleep disturbances of patients and family members and lower quality of life due to the stigmatizing character of skin lesions. AD control should involve a daily skin care routine with monitoring of precipitating factors and maintenance of skin hydration. Continuous multiprofessional support aims at improving adherence to drug and non-drug treatment and continuing education of family members and patients about the disease. Objective: To demonstrate the functioning of a support group for patients and relatives with AD as an adjunct to traditional treatment. Experience Report: During October 2018 and June 2019, four multidisciplinary meetings were held at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) with AD patients and their caregivers, related to the pediatric dermatology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (HU-UFJF). Several topics were addressed, including general disease care, child nutrition, psychology, and self-esteem of children with AD involving medical professionals, non-doctors, and medical students. Activities included conversation circles with family members and educational activities about the disease with the children. Conclusion: Meetings can positively impact disease control by strengthening the physician-patient relationship and providing continuing education for AD patients and their families. Sharing experiences during meetings and multiprofessional support bring even more benefits to patients with the disease, addressing psychosocial, nutritional and educational aspects which ultimately increases treatment adherence.