Effectiveness of Acupressure on Pruritus and Lichenification Associated with Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Trial

Background Pruritus is a debilitating aspect of atopic dermatitis (AD). Acupuncture has been reported to diminish pruritus, but self-administered acupressure has not been previously evaluated. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the severity of eczema in a pilot trial. Methods Adult patients with AD were randomised to an intervention group (acupressure with standard of care) or a control group (standard of care alone). Subjects in the intervention group performed acupressure using a 1.2 mm acupellet at the LI11 point, applying pressure for 3 min three times per week for 4 weeks. The severity of itching and AD at baseline and at 4 weeks were measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Results Fifteen subjects were enrolled, 12 of whom completed the study between November 2009 and May 2011. There was no significant change between baseline and follow-up survey scores within the control group. In the investigation group there was a decrease in the VAS score (p=0.05) and EASI lichenification (p=0.03), although without significant change in the overall EASI score. Comparison of the scores between groups showed a greater decrease in VAS in the experimental group than in the control group (p=0.04), and a decrease in the IGA (p=0.03) and EASI lichenification score (p=0.03). The overall EASI scores were unchanged. Conclusion Subjects using acupressure at LI11 for 4 weeks had improvement in pruritus and lichenification. Acupressure may prove to be an easily administered alternative treatment, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

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Positive youth development related athlete experiences and coach behaviors following a targeted coach education course

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/1747954120942017 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (5-6) ◽

pp. 621-630

Author(s):

Dany J MacDonald ◽

Martin Camiré ◽

Karl Erickson ◽

Fernando Santos

Keyword(s):

Youth Development ◽

Positive Youth Development ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Coach Education ◽

Developmental Experiences ◽

Time Points ◽

Coach Behaviors ◽

Experimental Group

The purpose of this study was to examine if a positive youth development (PYD) coach education course would (i) result in more positive developmental experiences perceived by athletes of participant coaches and (ii) increase the frequency of PYD-oriented behaviors exhibited by participant coaches. A total of 14 coaches and 270 athletes participated in the study. Eight coaches ( Mage = 38.0 years) overseeing 154 athletes ( Mage = 13.8 years) were in the control group, while six coaches ( Mage = 36.7 years) overseeing 116 athletes ( Mage = 13.9 years) were in the experimental group. The 10-week intervention combined a group-based PYD coach education course with individualized coach meetings. Seven practices per coach were observed and recorded at baseline ( n = 2), intervention ( n = 3), and follow-up ( n = 2). Athletes completed measures of coach-athlete relationships and sport experiences at the three time points. Results of the 2 × 3 (group × time) mixed ANOVAs demonstrated that coaches in the intervention group increased the frequency of their PYD-oriented behaviors during the intervention but returned to levels slightly above baseline at follow-up. Coaches in the control group did not change their behaviors over the same period. Athlete reports of their developmental experiences were high at all time points and did not change over time. Findings suggest PYD coach education has the potential to influence coach behavior, but further research is required to determine how to create sustained changes for coaches and increases in athletes’ perceived positive developmental experiences.

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The Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Information Technology Trial: Pilot Trial of a Mobile Health App for Atrial Fibrillation (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.17162 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Emily Guhl ◽

Andrew D Althouse ◽

Alexandra M Pusateri ◽

Everlyne Kimani ◽

Michael K Paasche-Orlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Relational Agent ◽

Rhythm Monitoring

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We conducted a pilot trial of individuals with AF using a smartphone to provide a relational agent as well as rhythm monitoring. We employed our pilot to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness in improving HRQoL and adherence. OBJECTIVE This study aims to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness to improve HRQoL and adherence. METHODS Participants were recruited from ambulatory clinics and randomized to a 30-day intervention or usual care. We collected baseline characteristics and conducted baseline and 30-day assessments of HRQoL using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) measure and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The intervention consisted of a smartphone-based relational agent, which simulates face-to-face counseling and delivered content on AF education, adherence, and symptom monitoring with prompted rhythm monitoring. We compared differences in AFEQT and adherence at 30 days, adjusted for baseline values. We quantified participants’ use and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS A total of 120 participants were recruited and randomized (59 to control and 61 to intervention) to the pilot trial (mean age 72.1 years, SD 9.10; 62/120, 51.7% women). The control group had a 95% follow-up, and the intervention group had a 93% follow-up. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher improvement in total AFEQT scores (adjusted mean difference 4.5; 95% CI 0.6-8.3; P=.03) and in daily activity (adjusted mean difference 7.1; 95% CI 1.8-12.4; P=.009) compared with the control between baseline and 30 days. The intervention group showed significantly improved self-reported adherence to anticoagulation therapy at 30 days (intervention 3.5%; control 23.2%; adjusted difference 16.6%; 95% CI 2.8%-30.4%; P<.001). Qualitative assessments of acceptability identified that participants found the relational agent useful, informative, and trustworthy. CONCLUSIONS Individuals randomized to a 30-day smartphone intervention with a relational agent and rhythm monitoring showed significant improvement in HRQoL and adherence. Participants had favorable acceptability of the intervention with both objective use and qualitative assessments of acceptability.

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Effectiveness of a Student Pharmacist–Led Telephone Follow-Up Intervention to Improve Hemoglobin A1Cin Diabetic Patients

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/0897190019857409 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 832-837 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Samuel K. Peasah ◽

Kathryn Granitz ◽

Michelle Vu ◽

Bobby Jacob

Keyword(s):

Regression Model ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Multiple Regression Model ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Phone Calls

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a student pharmacist–led telephone follow-up intervention to improve hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) in diabetic patients.Methods:This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study to implement a telephone follow-up intervention for diabetic patients with HbA1c≥7%. Patients were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. All patients received standard of care. Patients in the intervention group additionally received weekly phone calls from a student pharmacist for 12 weeks to encourage medication adherence. HbA1cat baseline and end of study were measured and the data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model to assess the association between the end of study and baseline HbA1cwhile controlling for demographics.Results:Seventy-eight patients participated and the average age was 62 (±11) years. Baseline HbA1cwas 8.2% (±1.4%) in the intervention group and 7.9% (±1.3%) in the control group. HbA1cdecreased by 0.35% in the intervention group ( P = .027) and increased by 0.338% in the control group ( P = .013). The end of study HbA1cwere higher in the control group even after controlling for baseline HbA1cs (0.5547, P value .002) in the regression model.Conclusion:Incorporating student pharmacists in physician offices to provide clinical care services could lead to improved patient outcomes and students’ clinical and research skills.

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Debt Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: an adaptive randomised controlled pilot trial (DeCoDer study)

Health Technology Assessment ◽

10.3310/hta21350 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (35) ◽

pp. 1-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mark B Gabbay ◽

Adele Ring ◽

Richard Byng ◽

Pippa Anderson ◽

Rod S Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Pilot Phase ◽

Main Trial ◽

Internal Pilot ◽

Randomised Controlled

BackgroundDepression and debt are common in the UK. Debt Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: an adaptive randomised controlled pilot trial (DeCoDer) aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the addition of a primary care debt counselling advice service to usual care for patients with depression and debt. However, the study was terminated early during the internal pilot trial phase because of recruitment delays. This report describes the rationale, methods and findings of the pilot study, and implications for future research.ObjectivesThe overarching aim of the internal pilot was to identify and resolve problems, thereby assessing the feasibility of the main trial. The specific objectives were to confirm methods for practice recruitment and the ability to recruit patients via the proposed approaches; to determine the acceptability of the study interventions and outcome measures; to assess contamination; to confirm the randomisation method for main trial and the level of participant attrition; and to check the robustness of data collection systems.DesignAn adaptive, parallel, two-group multicentre randomised controlled pilot trial with a nested mixed-methods process and economic evaluation. Both individual- and cluster (general practice)-level were was used in the pilot phase to assign participants to intervention or control groups.SettingGeneral practices in England and Wales.ParticipantsIndividuals were included who were aged ≥ 18 years, scored ≥ 14 on the Beck Depression Inventory II and self-identified as having debt worries. The main exclusion criteria were being actively suicidal or psychotic and/or severely depressed and unresponsive to treatment; having a severe addiction to alcohol/illicit drugs; being unable/unwilling to give written informed consent; currently participating in other research including follow-up phases; having received Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) debt advice in the past year; and not wanting debt advice via a general practice.InterventionsThe participants in the intervention group were given debt advice provided by the CAB and shared biopsychosocial assessment, in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) and two debt advice leaflets. The participants in the control group were given advice leaflets provided by the general practitioner and TAU only.Main outcome measures(1) Outcomes of the pilot trial – the proportion of eligible patients who consented, the number of participants recruited compared with target, assessment of contamination, and assessment of patient satisfaction with intervention and outcome measures. (2) Participant outcomes – primary – Beck Depression Inventory II; secondary – psychological well-being, health and social care utilisation, service satisfaction, substance misuse, record of priority/non-priority debts, life events and difficulties, and explanatory measures. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (pre-randomisation) and at 4 months post randomisation. Other data sources – qualitative interviews were conducted with participants, clinicians and CAB advisors.ResultsOf the 238 expressions of interest screened, 61 participants (26%) were recruited and randomised (32 in the intervention group and 29 in the control group). All participants provided baseline outcomes and 52 provided the primary outcome at 4 months’ follow-up (14.7% dropout). Seventeen participants allocated to the intervention saw a CAB advisor. Descriptive statistics are reported for participants with complete outcomes at baseline and 4 months’ follow-up. Our qualitative findings suggest that the relationship between debt and depression is complex, and the impact of each on the other is compounded by other psychological, social and contextual influences.ConclusionsAs a result of low recruitment, this trial was terminated at the internal pilot phase and was too small for inferential statistical analysis. We recommend ways to reduce this risk when conducting complex trials among vulnerable populations recruited in community settings. These cover trial design, the design and delivery of interventions, recruitment strategies and support for sites.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN79705874.FundingThis project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full inHealth Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 35. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Mark Gabbay and Adele Ring are part-funded by NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) North West Coast and Richard Byng and Rod S Taylor, Vashti Berry and Elizabeth Shaw part-funded by NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula.

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608. Impact of Implementing Pharmacist Review and Monitoring of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.802 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S365-S365

Author(s):

Emily R Kirkpatrick ◽

Elizabeth O Hand ◽

Darrel W Hughes ◽

Jasmin K Badwal ◽

Kristi A Traugott

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Antimicrobial Therapy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Care Program ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Transitions Of Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Laboratory Monitoring ◽

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy

Abstract Background Given current efforts to increase the safety of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs nationwide, this project sought to determine whether pharmacist managed OPAT review and monitoring improves adherence to standard of care laboratory monitoring recommendations. Methods A single-center, retrospective review of patients > 18 years of age who received OPAT from University Health System was conducted. Patients who received OPAT between October 2018 and December 2018 served as the historical control group. After a pharmacist transitions of care program was implemented, patients who received OPAT between October 2019 and December 2019 were included in the intervention group. Patients were excluded if they received less than 7 days of OPAT, completed therapy prior to discharge, or died while inpatient. The primary endpoint was adherence to laboratory monitoring recommendations > 75% of the duration of planned OPAT. Only patients followed by the OPAT clinic were included in this analysis. Recommendations provided in the 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America OPAT guidelines were used to define appropriate lab monitoring. Secondary endpoints included 30-day readmissions. Results A total of 409 patients were included in this study: 198 patients in the pre-implementation group and 211 patients in the post-implementation group. In patients with OPAT clinic follow-up, the post-implementation group was significantly more likely to receive monitoring adherent to standard of care laboratory monitoring recommendations > 75% of the duration of planned OPAT: 42/161 (26.1%) vs. 98/176 (55.7%), OR 3.6 (95% CI 2.2-5.6, p = 0.0001). There was no difference in 30-day readmission rates between groups in the overall population. Patients in the post-implementation group with OPAT clinic follow up had lower 30-day infectious disease-attributed readmissions: 18/161 (11.2%) vs. 14/176 (8.0%), p = 0.31. Conclusion Implementation of a transitions of care pharmacist significantly improved adherence to laboratory monitoring recommendations for patients receiving OPAT and numerically reduced 30-day infectious disease-attributed readmissions. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Abstract 141: Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: Improving Patient Care

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.9.suppl_2.141 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Linda Gordon ◽

Nicole Ansani-Jankowski

Keyword(s):

Goal Attainment ◽

Current Practice ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Depression Screening ◽

Control Group ◽

Care Plans ◽

Depression Education ◽

The Impact

Background: Depression affects up to 20% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and congestive heart failure (CHF); and is associated with poorer health outcomes. HEDIS Depression Care Measure Set includes the utilization of PHQ-9 survey to monitor depression and appropriate treatment and follow-up. The goal of this program is to design, implement, and measure the success of a quality improvement (QI) initiative addressing HEDIS depression measures in the cardiovascular (CV) population. Methods: First an analysis of current practice and HEDIS compliance was conducted; 2. A plan was developed to address gaps in care; 3. A QI program was executed in the cardiac catheter lab; and 4. Outcome measures and methods to determine program success were designed. Results: Current practice analysis of the catheter lab revealed that depression screening, monitoring, and follow-up were not routinely conducted. Further, it was identified that the PHQ-9 screener was available in the EMR system but not being utilized. Therefore, a QI program was designed with the following components: 1. Patients > 18 years old receive the PHQ-9 upon discharge from the catheter lab; 2. If a patient scores > 10 on the PHQ-9 they receive education and are scheduled for follow-up; 3. A clinical database collects information on Framingham risk scores, CV risks, PHQ-9 scores, medical history, and biometric data. These data are then used to provide customized CV care plans including depression education; 4. A shared medical appointment (SMA) format provides additional depression education and follow-up. This program was executed in January 2014. The outcomes plan evaluates the impact of this QI program on HEDIS goal attainment and CV care. A control group receives screening, initial education, and standard of care. The intervention group receives screening, initial education, entry into the disease management database, customized education, therapeutic lifestyle counselling, and participation in the SMA focusing on depression. Currently 39 patients are enrolled in each arm. Interim analysis reveals 100% depression screening in both groups and high rates of follow-up in the intervention group (2 initial components of the HEDIS goals). Conclusions: Implementing a multi-faceted depression screening and follow-up QI program addresses HEDIS goals and has shown initial success in closing identified gaps in care. Future implications include a comparative analysis of the QI program to standard of care on composite HEDIS depression measures and CV goal attainment.

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An Adherence-Enhancing Program Increases Retention in Care in the Swiss HIV Cohort

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa323 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Susan Kamal ◽

Tracy R Glass ◽

Thanh Doco-Lecompte ◽

Sophie Locher ◽

Olivier Bugnon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Care Center ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Blood Draw ◽

Inverse Probability ◽

Real World Setting ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract Background This study tested a theory-based adherence-enhancing intervention: the “Interprofessional Medication Adherence Program” (IMAP) to increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) retention in care. Methods We retrospectively compared our intervention center (intervention group [IG]) with a standard of care center (control group [CG]) both participating in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study between 2004 and 2012. Endpoints were defined as >6-month and >12-month gaps in care for intervals of care longer than 6 and 12 months without any blood draw. Inverse probability of treatment weights was used to adjust for differences between patients at the 2 centers. Viral failure was defined as ribonucleic acid ≥50 copies/mL after 24+ weeks on antiretrovirals. Results The IG included 451 patients, CG 311. In the IG, 179 (40%) patients took part in the IMAP for a median of 27 months (interquartile range, 12–45). Gaps in care of ≥6 months were significantly more likely to happen in the CG versus IG (74.6% vs 57%, P < .001). The median time until the first treatment gap was longer in the IG vs CG (120 vs 84 weeks, P < .001). Gaps in care of ≥12 months evaluated in 709 (93%) patients were significantly more likely to occur in the CG compared with the IG (22.6% vs 12.5%, P < .001). The rate of viral failure was significantly lower in the IG (8.3% vs 15.1%, P = .003). Conclusions This study, in a real-world setting, shows the effectiveness of the IMAP to reduce 6- and 12-month gaps in follow up among people with HIV. These results should be confirmed by studies in other settings.

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The Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Information Technology Trial: Pilot Trial of a Mobile Health App for Atrial Fibrillation

JMIR Cardio ◽

10.2196/17162 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e17162

Author(s):

Emily Guhl ◽

Andrew D Althouse ◽

Alexandra M Pusateri ◽

Everlyne Kimani ◽

Michael K Paasche-Orlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Relational Agent ◽

Rhythm Monitoring

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We conducted a pilot trial of individuals with AF using a smartphone to provide a relational agent as well as rhythm monitoring. We employed our pilot to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness in improving HRQoL and adherence. Objective This study aims to measure acceptability and adherence and to assess its effectiveness to improve HRQoL and adherence. Methods Participants were recruited from ambulatory clinics and randomized to a 30-day intervention or usual care. We collected baseline characteristics and conducted baseline and 30-day assessments of HRQoL using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) measure and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The intervention consisted of a smartphone-based relational agent, which simulates face-to-face counseling and delivered content on AF education, adherence, and symptom monitoring with prompted rhythm monitoring. We compared differences in AFEQT and adherence at 30 days, adjusted for baseline values. We quantified participants’ use and acceptability of the intervention. Results A total of 120 participants were recruited and randomized (59 to control and 61 to intervention) to the pilot trial (mean age 72.1 years, SD 9.10; 62/120, 51.7% women). The control group had a 95% follow-up, and the intervention group had a 93% follow-up. The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher improvement in total AFEQT scores (adjusted mean difference 4.5; 95% CI 0.6-8.3; P=.03) and in daily activity (adjusted mean difference 7.1; 95% CI 1.8-12.4; P=.009) compared with the control between baseline and 30 days. The intervention group showed significantly improved self-reported adherence to anticoagulation therapy at 30 days (intervention 3.5%; control 23.2%; adjusted difference 16.6%; 95% CI 2.8%-30.4%; P<.001). Qualitative assessments of acceptability identified that participants found the relational agent useful, informative, and trustworthy. Conclusions Individuals randomized to a 30-day smartphone intervention with a relational agent and rhythm monitoring showed significant improvement in HRQoL and adherence. Participants had favorable acceptability of the intervention with both objective use and qualitative assessments of acceptability.

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Pilot randomised clinical trial of an eHealth, self-management support intervention (iVERVE) for stroke: feasibility assessment in survivors 12–24 months post-event

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-020-00706-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dominique A. Cadilhac ◽

◽

Nadine E. Andrew ◽

Doreen Busingye ◽

Jan Cameron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Goal Attainment ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Self Management ◽

Control Group ◽

Environment Control

Abstract Background Electronic communication is used in various populations to achieve health goals, but evidence in stroke is lacking. We pilot tested the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a novel personalised electronic self-management intervention to support person-centred goal attainment and secondary prevention after stroke. Methods A phase I, prospective, randomised controlled pilot trial (1:1 allocation) with assessor blinding, intention-to-treat analysis, and a process evaluation. Community-based survivors of stroke were recruited from participants in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) who had indicated their willingness to be contacted for research studies. Inclusion criteria include 1–2 years following hospital admission for stroke and living within 50 km of Monash University (Melbourne). Person-centred goals were set with facilitation by a clinician using a standardised template. The intervention group received electronic support messages aligned to their goals over 4 weeks. The control group received only 2–3 electronic administrative messages. Primary outcomes were study retention, goal attainment (assessed using Goal Attainment Scaling method) and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were self-management (Health Education Impact Questionnaire: 8 domains), quality of life, mood and acceptability. Results Of 340 invitations sent from AuSCR, 73 responded, 68 were eligible and 57 (84%) completed the baseline assessment. At the goal-setting stage, 54/68 (79%) were randomised (median 16 months after stroke): 25 to intervention (median age 69 years; 40% female) and 29 to control (median age 68 years; 38% female). Forty-five (83%) participants completed the outcome follow-up assessment. At follow-up, goal attainment (mean GAS-T score ≥ 50) in the intervention group was achieved for goals related to function, participation and environment (control: environment only). Most intervention participants provided positive feedback and reported that the iVERVE messages were easy to understand (92%) and assisted them in achieving their goals (77%). We found preliminary evidence of non-significant improvements between the groups for most self-management domains (e.g. social integration and support: β coefficient 0.34; 95% CI − 0.14 to 0.83) and several quality-of-life domains in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion These findings support the need for further randomised effectiveness trials of the iVERVE program to be tested in people with new stroke. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001519246. Registered on 11 September 2018—retrospectively registered.

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Stress Management for Atopic Dermatitis

Behaviour Change ◽

10.1375/bech.16.4.226 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 226-236 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Suzanne Habib ◽

Shirley Morrissey

Keyword(s):

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Stress Management ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Management Program ◽

Waiting List ◽

Adjunctive Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Stress Management Program

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, debilitating skin disorder that accounts for up to 20% of dermatological diagnoses. A 6-week psychoeducational stress management program was developed, implemented, and evaluated as an adjunctive treatment for AD. The participants (n = 17) were randomly assigned to a treatment or waiting-list control group. Participants in both the intervention and waiting-list control groups were assessed for dermatitis severity by a blind rater both pre and posttreatment and at a follow-up conducted 8 weeks after the conclusion of the program. At posttest the intervention group had significantly reduced pruritus and global severity of atopic dermatitis, and reduced levels of social anxiety and private self-consciousness. At an 8-week follow-up, pruritus was entirely absent and global severity was continuing to decrease, as were levels of social anxiety and private self-consciousness. The psychoeducational stress-management program provided a short effective treatment that resulted in reduction of symptoms and provided long-term management strategies to sufferers of atopic dermatitis.

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