Yonsei Med J.  2019 Jul;60(7):694-699. 10.3349/ymj.2019.60.7.694.

Current Status of Patient Education in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea

• Lee MK
• Seo JH
• Chu H
• Kim H
• Jang YH
• Jeong JW
• Yum HY
• Han MY
• Yoon HJ
• Cho SH
• Rha YH
• Kim JT
• Park YL
• Seo SJ
• Lee KH
• Park CO

• KMID: 2450410
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2019.60.7.694

Abstract

Patient education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis; however, due to limited time and resources, patient education remains insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the current state of education provided by Korean dermatologists, pediatric allergists, and allergists to patients with atopic dermatitis. A questionnaire survey consisting of items regarding educational programs for patients with atopic dermatitis was conducted via e-mail. In total, 153 participants responded to the questionnaires, and 26.8% indicated that they have had separate educational programs. The workforce involved in the educational program included nurses, residents or fellows, dieticians, pharmacists, and clinical psychologists. Most education protocols addressed the characteristics and natural course of atopic dermatitis and environmental management. Overall, 96.7% of the participants replied that an additional charge is needed for education; moreover, additional assistance from an academic society or association, in the form of medical staff, organized data, and advertisement, is required to develop and provide a well-structured educational program. A standardized education protocol will effectively provide appropriate education for patients with atopic dermatitis. Arrangement of education fees, covered by the National Health Insurance Service, will lead to the establishment of a structured educational program and participation of an additional medical workforce.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; education; Korea; questionnaire survey

MeSH Terms

Dermatitis, Atopic*
Education
Electronic Mail
Fees and Charges
Humans
Korea*
Medical Staff
National Health Programs
Nutritionists
Patient Education as Topic*
Pharmacists
Psychology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Frequency of (A) individual- and (B) group-level education.

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  Fig. 2 Detailed educational contents included in the programs.

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