Dermatitis & Quality Of Care

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As the video suggests, a partnership approach to dermatitis is helpful, for a condition which is variable by nature.

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Advances in understanding dermatitis continue to be made, along with useful studies of new, immunomodulating treatments. They matter but large scale, groundbreaking research published in 2021 reminds us of other vital points.

The researchers visited 32 specialist care centers across the globe. Alongside looking at numerous cases, they interviewed a range of staff, from nurses, to support staff, to carers, to dermatology consultants.

A core objective was to identify shortfalls in areas beyond specific treatments, from patient awareness, to the monitoring of long term cases. This shed light on the challenges faced and routes to best practice.

In Depth Care

The report highlighted a number of good practice interventions, with those at the top of the list focused on the patient care pathway:

• Accurate clinical diagnosis and assessment.
• Ongoing patient education and communication.
• Access to multidisciplinary support if needed.
• Constant monitoring and evaluation of care.

The first point is critical, when assessing the severity of dermatitis can pose challenges. Advances in technology have helped but being examined by an experienced consultant is still a valuable step.

Other recommendations on patient education and communication are important in themselves, for a disease which may be ongoing. They also add to accurate diagnosis, through a better understanding of longer term severity.

Individual Support

There are cases where atopic dermatitis can abate for the long term, although there is currently no permanent cure as such. This does not mean that the disease can not be permanently controlled and quality of life become far better.

We hope that Skin Care Network have always offered this, you are seen by a leading consultant, teamwork and patient education are key aspects of our care. There is still no benefit in complacency, or not recognising that each case is unique.

Our team will continue to follow sound research and ensure we are in line with best practice. The same naturally applies to monitoring new treatments, although as the report suggests, atopic dermatitis is a condition well served by mindful support.

Whilst the study’s topic, atopic dermatitis, is a specific type of eczema, similar applies to all conditions. By all means see more on our approach to treating dermatitis and eczema, or contact us at any time for advice, or a consultation.