Online survey to identify current challenges in atopic dermatitis management and guideline implementation in German-speaking countries

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing chronic inflammatory skin disease with a significant public health burden. Objectives: To conduct a survey in order to gain information on current problems on the care and treatment of AD patients from a wide range of care providers, as well as information on ways of improving AD guidelines. Materials & Methods: An online survey was conducted via professional associations, focussing on AD health care professionals with regards to current gaps in knowledge of AD management and experience based on the German guidelines (GL). Results: In total, 542 respondents treated a median of 200 AD patients yearly. The most frequent problems in the management of AD concerned emollients (50%), largely due to patient costs and the inability to prescribe emollients/moisturizers. Barriers to prescribing biologics included cost. Respondents stated that the GL lacks information regarding patient education (27%) and use of basic emollients (27%). Consideration should be given to feasibility issues (32%) and the addition of care pathways (41%) to improve the GL. Conclusion: In this survey, we identified inadequate basic AD care mainly due to patient costs and lack of time for counselling as real-life challenges. These issues remain to be addressed in future guidelines.

Automated summary

This survey highlighted challenges in atopic dermatitis care, including patient costs and lack of time for counseling. Findings showed gaps in the German guidelines regarding patient education and use of basic emollients.