Understanding the role of shared decision-making in effective eczema care
Navigating treatment options for eczema poses a considerable challenge for patients, caregivers and health care providers (HCP) due to the variable nature of the condition. The cause of eczema is not fully known, making it difficult to pinpoint specific triggers and leading to unpredictable flares.
As a result, navigating how to treat eczema can pose a challenge. Fortunately, there are many new treatment options and developments. This highlights the importance of collaboration between health care providers and patients/caregivers during treatment discussions and decisions.
We turned to Quebec City-based dermatologist and researcher
Dr. Julien Ringuet, MD, MSc, FRCPC, to better understand shared decision-making and how it can help the eczema community.
What is shared decision-making?
“Shared decision-making is a term used to describe the collaborative approach where patients and health care providers (HCP) engage in a conversation to align on health-related choices.”
What does the process look like?
“During the discussion between the HCP and the patient, the HCP reviews the available treatment options, the benefits and harms of each option, and considers the patient’s values, preferences, and circumstances. The patient should be able to share their feedback on these areas related to managing their eczema.”
How is eczema treated with shared decision-making?
“Eczema treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I like to discuss the treatment classes with patients, provide a diagnosis, and then discuss options with patients. Managing eczema can include appropriate skin care, protecting the skin, and moisturizing the skin.”
“Topical treatments can help to manage flares, and many types of topical treatments are available for eczema, including topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical PDE4 inhibitors, and more recently topical JAK inhibitors. When eczema is more severe and isn’t well managed with topical treatments, we may use phototherapy or systemic medications. At this time, systemic medications that have been approved for eczema include biologic drugs, which are taken by injection at frequencies varying between every 2 to 4 weeks, and oral JAK inhibitors, which are taken as a daily pill by mouth. Both treatment categories have advantages and disadvantages, and the best treatment for a specific patient needs to be made in collaboration between the specialty care provider and the patient.”
What can patients do to have their voices heard by their HCP?
“Shared decision-making or collaborating with your health care provider can help to improve patient satisfaction and can help to optimize your eczema management.”
We encourage patients with eczema to work together with a qualified health care provider, like a dermatologist, to manage their eczema and live their best life.
Eczema Society of Canada thanks dermatologist and researcher Dr. Julien Ringuet, MD, MSc, FRCPC (dermatology), for his volunteer contribution to this educational content.
This blog was developed as part of our Educational Content program, and funding support for this initiative has been provided by AbbVie, Arcutis Canada, Inc., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Incyte Biosciences Canada, and LEO Pharma Inc.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific healthcare needs with a qualified healthcare professional.
November 2024
