Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
The care triangle: determining the gaps in the management of atopic dermatitis
Ashley O'Toole1, Bjorn Thomas, Richard Thomas
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON. ashley.otoole@medportal.ca
Insights
Discrepancies exist between evidence-based guidelines for atopic dermatitis (AD) management, physician recommendations, and patient adherence. Bridging these gaps is crucial for effective disease control and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Patient Care
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, pruritic skin condition affecting all age groups.
- Treatment requires individualized plans based on patient factors and disease presentation.
- Current management faces challenges in aligning guidelines, physician recommendations, and patient actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify strategies for improving atopic dermatitis care quality and patient outcomes.
- To encourage development of tools that bridge the gap between prescribed therapy and patient adherence.
- To foster discussion on enhancing the care process for atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review utilizing PubMed Central and Medline databases.
- Inclusion of seminal dermatology texts to ensure broad coverage of the topic.
- Analysis of existing evidence and clinical practice in atopic dermatitis management.
Main Results:
- Significant disconnects identified between evidence-based guidelines, dermatologist recommendations, and patient adherence in AD management.
- The current approach to atopic dermatitis treatment is not fully aligned across all stakeholders.
- Challenges in translating recommended therapies into consistent patient actions were observed.
Conclusions:
- Effective atopic dermatitis management necessitates balancing evidence-based medicine, physician expertise, and patient needs.
- The 'care triangle' concept highlights the importance of integrating patient expectations into treatment decisions.
- A collaborative approach is essential for optimizing atopic dermatitis care and patient outcomes.
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, intensely pruritic dermatosis that usually affects infants, children, and young adults. The treatment of AD entails an individualized regimen that depends on the age of the patient, the stage and variety of lesions present, the sites and extent of involvement, the presence of infection, and the previous response to treatment.
Objectives:
To identify the evidence surrounding potential strategies for closing these gaps-ultimately improving the quality of care, the care process itself, and patient outcomes-and to encourage discussions that help develop tools to bridge the gap between suggested therapy and what is done by the patient.
Methods:
Review of the literature including searches on PubMed Central and Medline and in seminal dermatology texts.
Results:
There are several disconnections between the evidence-based guidelines in the management of AD, what the individual dermatologist recommends, and what the patient does.
Conclusion:
Applying the concept of the care triangle requires a balance of evidence-based medicine, the physician's experiences and the patient's needs and expectations in the decisions surrounding appropriate management of the disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:27Acne Infection
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management