E Teasdale1, I Muller1, K Sivyer2, D Ghio1, K Greenwell2, S Wilczynska1, A Roberts3, M J Ridd4, N Francis1, L Yardley2,5, K S Thomas6, M Santer1. 1. Department of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. 2. Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. 3. Patient and Public Contributor, Nottingham, UK. 4. Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 5. School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 6. Centre for Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The number of qualitative studies on eczema has increased rapidly in recent years. Systematically reviewing these can provide greater understandings of people's perceptions of eczema and eczema treatments. OBJECTIVES: We sought to systematically review and thematically synthesize qualitative studies exploring views and experiences of people with eczema and parents/carers of children with eczema. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL from the earliest date available to February 2019. We selected papers focusing on views and experiences of eczema and eczema treatments, and barriers/facilitators to eczema self-management. We excluded papers focusing on health service provision models or health professionals' views. RESULTS: We synthesized 39 papers (reporting 32 studies) from 13 countries. We developed four analytical themes: (1) Eczema not viewed as a long-term condition; (2) Significant psychosocial impact not acknowledged by others; (3) Hesitancy (patient/carer uncertainty) about eczema treatments; and (4) Insufficient information and advice. Our findings suggest that people with eczema and their carers experience frustration at having to manage a condition that is often seen by others as mundane but has significant psychosocial impact and is difficult to manage due to concerns about, and burden of, treatment. This frustration can be exacerbated by experiences of conflicting and/or insufficient information and advice from health professionals, family and others. CONCLUSIONS: Effective self-management of eczema could be supported by addressing beliefs and concerns about treatments; seeking positive ways to promote a 'control not cure' message; acknowledging psychosocial impacts of eczema and treatment burden; and providing clear consistent advice or signposting towards reliable information.
BACKGROUND: The number of qualitative studies on eczema has increased rapidly in recent years. Systematically reviewing these can provide greater understandings of people's perceptions of eczema and eczema treatments. OBJECTIVES: We sought to systematically review and thematically synthesize qualitative studies exploring views and experiences of people with eczema and parents/carers of children with eczema. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL from the earliest date available to February 2019. We selected papers focusing on views and experiences of eczema and eczema treatments, and barriers/facilitators to eczema self-management. We excluded papers focusing on health service provision models or health professionals' views. RESULTS: We synthesized 39 papers (reporting 32 studies) from 13 countries. We developed four analytical themes: (1) Eczema not viewed as a long-term condition; (2) Significant psychosocial impact not acknowledged by others; (3) Hesitancy (patient/carer uncertainty) about eczema treatments; and (4) Insufficient information and advice. Our findings suggest that people with eczema and their carers experience frustration at having to manage a condition that is often seen by others as mundane but has significant psychosocial impact and is difficult to manage due to concerns about, and burden of, treatment. This frustration can be exacerbated by experiences of conflicting and/or insufficient information and advice from health professionals, family and others. CONCLUSIONS: Effective self-management of eczema could be supported by addressing beliefs and concerns about treatments; seeking positive ways to promote a 'control not cure' message; acknowledging psychosocial impacts of eczema and treatment burden; and providing clear consistent advice or signposting towards reliable information.
Authors: Katy Sivyer; Emma Teasdale; Kate Greenwell; Mary Steele; Daniela Ghio; Matthew J Ridd; Amanda Roberts; Joanne R Chalmers; Sandra Lawton; Sinead M Langan; Fiona Cowdell; Emma Le Roux; Sylvia Wilczynska; Hywel C Williams; Kim S Thomas; Lucy Yardley; Miriam Santer; Ingrid Muller Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2022-05-26 Impact factor: 6.302
Authors: Kate Greenwell; Daniela Ghio; Katy Sivyer; Mary Steele; Emma Teasdale; Matthew J Ridd; Amanda Roberts; Joanne R Chalmers; Sandra Lawton; Sinead Langan; Fiona Cowdell; Emma Le Roux; Sylvia Wilczynska; Hannah Jones; Emilia Whittaker; H C Williams; Kim Suzanne Thomas; Lucy Yardley; Miriam Santer; Ingrid Muller Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-04-20 Impact factor: 3.006
Authors: Clare Clement; Matthew J Ridd; Kirsty Roberts; Miriam Santer; Robert Boyle; Ingrid Muller; Anna Gilbertson; Elizabeth Angier; Lucy Selman; Alison R G Shaw Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-11-18 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Linde E M de Wijs; Sven van Egmond; Arjan C A Devillers; Tamar Nijsten; DirkJan Hijnen; Marjolein Lugtenberg Journal: Arch Dermatol Res Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 3.017