Multidisciplinary atopic dermatitis program: A novel approach to managing difficult-to-control atopic dermatitis patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Disease improvement for difficult-to-control pediatric atopic dermatitis may be more challenging to achieve when directed by single specialties due to disjointed and conflicting dialogue with patients. METHODS: The Multidisciplinary Atopic Dermatitis Program (MADP) was developed through collaborations with the Rady Children's Hospital and UC San Diego Health Divisions of Dermatology, Allergy & Immunology and Clinical Pharmacy, to create team-based evaluation and management of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD). The MADP allows concurrent, comprehensive evaluations by multiple specialists to develop treatment plans. The program includes extensive patient education to support shared decision making, incorporating patient and family's perspectives along with those of clinical experts into their care. Objective severity measures and patient reported outcome data were collected, along with assessment of patient and family satisfaction with the MADP. RESULTS: Data showed significant improvement in AD severity as assessed by providers, patients and families by the first follow-up visit. BSA mean percentage decreased by up to 56% by the 7th visit, and pruritus (NRS), CLDQI and POEM mean scores decreased by more than 4 points, 12 points, and over 11 points, respectively. After management was initiated in the MADP, 72.73% of patients achieved an EASI 50 and 47.73% achieved an EASI 75 from a baseline mean of 21.7. Patients who continued in clinic beyond the second visit showed further clinically significant decreases in disease measures. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary approach shows success in the treatment of difficult-to-control AD patients with improvements in clinician and patient reported outcome measures.