Patients’ perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing - 19/08/11
Reprint requests: Mark D. P. Davis, MD, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905.Rochester, Minnesota, and Scottsdale, Arizona
Abstract |
Background |
Studies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing.
Objective |
We sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients’ perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens.
Methods |
After patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients.
Results |
Response rate was 52.1%, 757 surveys returned: 518 women (68.4%) and 239 men (31.6%). More than 75% (578) of respondents were at least “somewhat satisfied” with the process; 51% (388) were “very satisfied.” More than half (430, 58.3%) reported improved dermatitis. The 580 patients who had positive reactions remembered a mean of 51.0% of allergens; 198 of these (34.1%) remembered 100%. Of 2547 positive reactions to allergens, 1229 (48.3%) were remembered correctly.
Limitations |
Limitations were reporting bias and individual interpretations of questions.
Conclusion |
Although patients reported both satisfaction with patch testing and improvement in skin conditions, they forgot more than 40% of identified allergens. Techniques are needed to improve patient recall.
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| Funding sources: None. Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 56 - N° 6
P. 928-932 - juin 2007 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Results of patch testing to a corticosteroid series: A retrospective review of 1188 patients during 6 years at Mayo Clinic
- Mark D.P. Davis, Rokea A. el-Azhary, Sara A. Farmer
- A survey of skin disease and skin-related issues in Arab Americans
- Dina El-Essawi, Joseph L. Musial, Adnan Hammad, Henry W. Lim
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