The dermatology department in the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) Cork came away with the top prizes at two recent dermatology conferences for research on the burden of treatment in atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Dr Cathal O’Connor presented the department’s research into the burden of treatment in children with eczema at the British Association of Dermatology annual meeting and won the prestigious Martin Beare award for best research in paediatric dermatology. Dr Eilis Nic Dhonncha presented the department’s research into the burden of treatment in adults with eczema at the Irish Association of Dermatology autumn meeting and won the distinguished Rogers Plate for best research at the meeting.
Burden of treatment is defined as the workload of healthcare experienced by those with chronic conditions and consequences on well-being. Dr Nic Dhonncha explained that “high burden of treatment results in an inability to adhere to treatment plans and poorer outcomes for patients”. Dr O’Connor said that “the burden of treatment in eczema is high, due to the need for multiple different treatments, high levels of healthcare utilisation, and costs of treatments, clothing, and healthcare”.
The paediatric study has been accepted for publication in Dermatologic Therapy and the adult study is in a late stage of publication. Dr Michelle Murphy, consultant dermatologist and lead author of both studies, said that “the results of this research will be used to help doctors to optimise prescribing practices and treatment plans for our patients and to reduce the burden of their medical needs”
