Content analysis and dermatologic gaps in online patient education materials for graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complex systemic disease which is associated with significant physical and psychological distress in patients. Given the complexity of this disorder and its multifactorial effects, it is important for patients to have access to education and learning about their disease. Patient education has been shown to reduce the uncertainty and stress that follows complex diseases such as GVHD. To our knowledge no studies have evaluated the content of patient education materials on GVHD, especially from a dermatologic perspective. Despite the complexity of GVHD, cutaneous manifestations are common and often require management by dermatology. In this cross-sectional study, a Google search engine was utilized to assess websites for information on GVHD etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment, coverage of Acute GVHD, Chronic GVHD, cutaneous presentations, dermatologic management, and quality of life. It was evident that there was inconsistent inclusion of cutaneous manifestations of acute and chronic GVHD and dermatologic management of GVHD. Results of this study emphasize the need for more robust integration of skin-specific information guided by expert dermatologist opinion in publicly available patient education materials online.