Patients' perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing

BackgroundStudies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing.ObjectiveWe sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients' perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens.MethodsAfter patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients.ResultsResponse rate was 52.1%, 757 surveys returned: 518 women (68.4%) and 239 men (31.6%). More than 75% (578) of respondents were at least “somewhat satisfied” with the process; 51% (388) were “very satisfied.” More than half (430, 58.3%) reported improved dermatitis. The 580 patients who had positive reactions remembered a mean of 51.0% of allergens; 198 of these (34.1%) remembered 100%. Of 2547 positive reactions to allergens, 1229 (48.3%) were remembered correctly.LimitationsLimitations were reporting bias and individual interpretations of questions.ConclusionAlthough patients reported both satisfaction with patch testing and improvement in skin conditions, they forgot more than 40% of identified allergens. Techniques are needed to improve patient recall.