Improving Therapeutic Patient Education for Atopic Dermatitis: Evaluation of a Parent Handbook

The intervention being evaluated in this study is an educational handbook for parents of children with atopic dermatitis (AD). The handbook was developed and written by the interdisciplinary study team (psychologist, allergist, nurse practitioner, dermatologists, primary care physician, dietitian). Content was based on practice guidelines for AD management, consensus recommendations for therapeutic patient education for AD, and clinical experience of our study team. Content includes topics central to effective AD management, such as pathophysiology/course, elements of treatment plans, and strategies to improve quality of life, such as breaking the itch-scratch cycle, improving sleep, and coping with social-emotional issues.