Case study
Eczema
The problem
Eczema is one of the 10 most common diseases in Australia. It affects nearly 3 million Australians including more than half a million who live with moderate to severe eczema. Despite being a common presentation in primary care, the ongoing management can be complex, time consuming and expensive. Evidence-practice gaps and gaps in consumer health literacy can lead to poor outcomes for people living with eczema and their carers including physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Eczema is one of the 10 most common diseases in Australia. It affects nearly 3 million Australians, including over 500,000 living with moderate to severe conditions. Primary care management is often complex, time-consuming, and costly. Gaps in evidence-based practice and consumer health literacy lead to poor physical, emotional, and financial outcomes for patients and carers.
Research insights
Our formative research revealed consumers can be overwhelmed by the range of treatment options, confused by conflicting health advice and misled by misinformation. For health professionals, management can be complex, constrained by time and seemingly complicated protocols with management hindered by widespread misconceptions around topical corticosteroids.
Approach
We used the formative research and implementation science to align consumer and clinician understanding, directly supporting shared decision-making.
Interventions were co-designed to build confidence and adherence to first-line therapies, reducing the need for more intensive treatments.
Outcomes and highlights
The program has improved understanding of eczema management including the role of moisturisers, corticosteroids and allergies for consumers and health professionals.
97% of participating health professionals reported increased confidence in eczema management.
32,000+ consumer interactions with key resources were recorded in 18 months.
QUM Connect acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, and recognise their continuous connections to land, sea and community.
We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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