An educational programme for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background:  Patient education as an addition to standard treatment, with the aim of affecting care through courses is a relatively new concept in dermatology. Here we introduce a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with regard to a previously described 12 week educational programme for chronic skin diseases. Objective:  The primary objective of the RCT was to measure the effect of an educational programme on disease severity and quality of life in patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Methods:  We recruited 50 patients at from the Ghent University Hospital. Patients with diagnosed psoriasis or atopic dermatitis were randomised (1:1) to the intervention or control group. Clinical outcome was measured by 2 blinded observers using 'Psoriasis Area and Severity Index' or 'Scoring Atopic Dermatitis' and 'Eczema Area and Severity Index'. Quality of life was measured by dermatology-specific quality of life questionnaires. There was a follow-up period of 9 months. Results:  We found that disease severity and quality of life improved significantly for psoriasis patients (n=29) but not for atopic dermatitis patients (n=21) at 3 months. Intervention patients showed a significant reduction in mean PASI (p=0.036), in mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (p=0.019) and in mean Psoriasis Disability Index (p=0.015) compared with the control group at 3 months. This improvement continued for at least 6 months, i.e. 3 months after the intervention but was lost at 9 months follow-up. Conclusion:  Evaluating this form of educational programme, through means of a single-centre RCT, indicates its added value in the longer term management of psoriasis.