Healthcare of patients with atopic dermatitis by general practitioners - a nationwide survey in Germany.

Background and objectives: Epidemiological studies on the health care of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in dermatological treatment in Germany indicate no improvements within 10 years. In addition to dermatologists, general practitioners (GPs) are particularly involved in AD treatment. This study analyzed the health care situation of adult patients with AD by GPs.

Patients and methods: The cross-sectional questionnaire survey "PsoADA" was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in general practices throughout Germany and the results were compared with previous data from dermatology care (AtopicHealth2, 2017-19).

Results: Among 150 patients (mean age: 40 years, 62.2% female), 39.2% received additional treatment by a dermatologist (GP+D). 20.7% of GP+D and 5.7% of patients in GP treatment only (GP only) had severe AD (p < 0.01, AtopicHealth2: 27.6%). Major limitations in quality of life were reported by 31.0% (GP+D) versus 3.4% (GP only) (p < 0.001, AtopicHealth2: 31.6%). Most patients received topicals, mainly glucocorticosteroids. Calcineurin inhibitors were currently administered by 2.7% (PsoADA total). Patient education was reported by 5.7% (PsoADA total).

Conclusions: A considerable proportion of patients with AD in GP care shows poor outcomes, as has been observed in dermatological care - possibly due to the lack of use of modern systemic therapy.