An audit of the value of patch testing and its effect on quality of life

Abstract

We have assessed the value of patch testing from the patient's perspective and examined the impact of patch testing on their quality of life (QoL). 140 patients were recruited over 5 months. 2 questionnaires were designed to investigate the patient's views on patch testing. The 1st questionnaire was completed at the final visit to the clinic and the 2nd was posted 6 weeks later. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was completed on both occasions. There was a significant improvement of the DLQI score in all patch-tested subjects (P = 0.003). Patients with involvement of the trunk had worse QoL. At the 4-day visit, 77 patients (55%) expressed the opinion that patch testing had been helpful. 6 weeks later, 71 patients replied. 47 patients were diagnosed as having allergic contact dermatitis: 87% of them found that patch testing had been useful, 91% were able to avoid the allergen(s) and 57% reported improvement/clearing in their skin condition. 58% of the 24 patients with negative results also found that patch testing had been beneficial. Overall, patient perception was that they understood verbal information (92%) better than written information (76%). Patch testing is beneficial to patients, leading to improved QoL. Patient perception was that they understood verbal advice better than written information.

A multicentre audit of cutaneous allergy (patch testing) services within Yorkshire, UK

“…Insufficient patients are being referred for patch testing in Yorkshire, yet despite this, most centres are still failing to see patients within an appropriate timescale. Delays in testing significantly affect quality of life and lengthen time off work for those with suspected occupational exposure …”

Patients’ Satisfaction with Diagnostic Drug Provocation Tests and Perception of Its Usefulness

“…This is also a time-consuming process, uncomfortable and can also cause reactions. Those studies showed that in spite of inconveniences most patients appeared to be satisfied with the procedure, especially when allergens were identified with the patch testing [13,14], that testing is perceived as a valuable tool by patients [13,14] and that patients would recommend patch testing to others [13]. Also in our study patients with positive DPT were actually more satisfied with the procedure than the ones with negative results, although this was not statistically different.…”

Effects of time and recall of patch test results on quality of life (QoL) after testing. Cross‐sectional study analyzing QoL in hand eczema patients 1, 5 and 10 years after patch testing

“…Patch testing is an objective and cost‐effective method used for the clinical work‐up of patients in whom allergic contact dermatitis is suspected or needs to be excluded . In addition, being patch tested because of suspected allergic contact dermatitis gives an improvement in quality of life (QoL) . Thomson et al.…”

“…Woo et al. found that patch testing was beneficial for patients with positive and those with negative patch test results at a 6‐week follow‐up . On evaluation of QoL and time from patch testing, Hald et al.…”