Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life measures in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with a profound symptom burden and harmful impact on multiple domains of quality of life (QOL). Many different patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures exist to assess clinical manifestations and QOL impairment in AD, but none comprehensively assess all aspects of the disease. This review addresses the PRO and QOL measures currently used in AD and their properties, strengths, weaknesses, and feasibility for assessing AD in randomized controlled trials and clinical practice. Currently, the patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM) has emerged as a preferred PRO for AD clinical manifestations, though no single instrument has developed as a preferred QOL measure. Validated PRO and QOL measures should be incorporated in all clinical trials of AD and in clinical practice where feasible.