Views and experiences of managing eczema: systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

Teasdale, E.; Muller, I.; Sivyer, K.; Ghio, D.; Greenwell, K.; Wilczynska, S.; Roberts, A.; Ridd, M.J.; Francis, N.; Yardley, L.; Thomas, K.S.; Santer, M.

Abstract

Background

The number of qualitative studies on eczema has increased rapidly in recent years. Systematically reviewing these can provide greater understandings of people’s perceptions of eczema and eczema treatments.

Objectives

We sought to systematically review and thematically synthesize qualitative studies exploring views and experiences of people with eczema and parents/carers of children with eczema.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL from the earliest date available to February 2019. We selected papers focusing on views and experiences of eczema and eczema treatments, and barriers/facilitators to eczema self‐management. We excluded papers focusing on health service provision models or health professionals’ views.

Results

We synthesized 39 papers (reporting 32 studies) from 13 countries. We developed four analytical themes: (1) Eczema not viewed as a long‐term condition; (2) Significant psychosocial impact not acknowledged by others; (3) Hesitancy (patient/carer uncertainty) about eczema treatments; and (4) Insufficient information and advice. Our findings suggest that people with eczema and their carers experience frustration at having to manage a condition that is often seen by others as mundane but has significant psychosocial impact and is difficult to manage due to concerns about, and burden of, treatment. This frustration can be exacerbated by experiences of conflicting and/or insufficient information and advice from health professionals, family and others.

Conclusions

Effective self‐management of eczema could be supported by addressing beliefs and concerns about treatments; seeking positive ways to promote a ‘control not cure’ message; acknowledging psychosocial impacts of eczema and treatment burden; and providing clear consistent advice or signposting towards reliable information.

Citation

Teasdale, E., Muller, I., Sivyer, K., Ghio, D., Greenwell, K., Wilczynska, S., …Santer, M. (2021). Views and experiences of managing eczema: systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. British Journal of Dermatology, 184(4), 627-637. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19299

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 3, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jun 12, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Deposit Date: Sep 16, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 17, 2020
• Journal: British Journal of Dermatology
• Print ISSN: 0007-0963
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2133
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 184
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 627-637
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19299
• Keywords: Dermatology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4838654
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjd.19299