Caregiver Preferences and Barriers Toward Accessing Pediatric Dermatology Care for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis

Emily A Croce; Paul J Rathouz; Fabiana Castro Porto Silva Lopes; Maria Leszczynska; Lucia Z Diaz; Moise L Levy; Jennifer S Ruth; Pooja Varshney; Lynn Rew; Elizabeth C Matsui

doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.04.003

Caregiver Preferences and Barriers Toward Accessing Pediatric Dermatology Care for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis

J Pediatr Health Care. 2022 Jul-Aug;36(4):e1-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.04.003. Epub 2022 May 5.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Emily A. Croce, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dell Children's Medical Center, and PhD Candidate, the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX.. Electronic address: emilycroce@utexas.edu.
² Paul J. Rathouz, Professor of Population Health, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
³ Fabiana Castro Porto Silva Lopes, Research Volunteer, Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
⁴ Maria Leszczynska, Pediatrician, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX.
⁵ Lucia Z. Diaz, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, Dell Children's Medical Center, and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
⁶ Moise L. Levy, Pediatric Dermatologist, Dell Children's Medical Center, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
⁷ Jennifer S. Ruth, Pediatric Dermatologist, Dell Children's Medical Center, and Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
⁸ Pooja Varshney, Pediatric Allergy/Immunologist, Dell Children's Medical Center, and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.
⁹ Lynn Rew, Professor of Nursing and PhD Program Director, The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX.
¹⁰ Elizabeth C. Matsui, Pediatric Allergy/Immunologist, Dell Children's Medical Center, and Professor of Pediatrics and Population Health, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic childhood illness. It is often treated by primary care providers (PCPs) though it may require referral to a dermatology specialist.

Method: We administered an exploratory survey to 50 caregivers of children aged 0-17 years with AD to assess their preferences and barriers toward accessing dermatology specialty care for their child's AD.

Results: Caregivers felt PCPs and specialists equally listened to their child's AD concerns. However, many felt there was a difference in the care provided and control of the AD and preferred to see a specialist for ongoing management.

Discussion: Caregivers may benefit from their children being referred to dermatology specialists earlier and more often for their AD. Further work must be done to characterize preferences and barriers toward AD care across race and ethnicity.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; disparities; eczema; health care access.

MeSH terms

Caregivers
Child
Dermatitis, Atopic* / therapy
Dermatology*
Humans
Referral and Consultation
Surveys and Questionnaires

Abstract

MeSH terms

Grants and funding