Study Details Creation of First Patient Decision Aid for Adult AD
Key Takeaways
Investigators for a new qualitative analysis developed the first patient decision aid (PDA) for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), published in JAMA Dermatology.
The multistage process used in the analysis followed International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration guidelines.
The results indicated that patients prioritized simplified language, visual clarity, and information on efficacy, dosing, adverse effects, and cost.
A new paper details the development of a patient decision aid (PDA) designed to support shared decision-making for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), unique in this instance for targeting previously addressed systemic treatment selection for adult AD.
The investigators followed International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration guidelines and used a structured, multistage process: (scoping and design, prototype development, alpha testing, beta testing, and finalization). A steering group of 10 adult patients with moderate to severe AD (mean age, 38.7 years; 8 women) and 6 dermatology clinicians contributed to prototype development. Subsequent alpha testing included 8 patients and 5 clinicians. Beta testing engaged 8 new patients and 6 clinicians, followed by final revisions with 5 patients and 2 clinicians.
The analysis showed that patients favored transparent visual formatting, simplified language, and focused content on efficacy, dosing frequency, route of administration, adverse effects, and relative costs. Clinicians emphasized laboratory monitoring requirements, comparative efficacy data, and safety.
"This qualitative study supports prior findings that when formulating PDAs, authors should prioritize simplicity to enable patient comprehension in clinician-led discussions," the authors wrote. "This study found that a staged approach may help to deliver complex treatment information in a patient-centered manner, enhancing patient-clinician discussions, and facilitating shared decision-making in adults with AD."
Source: Okereke R, et al. JAMA Dermatology. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5912