Pre-visit online paediatric atopic dermatitis questionnaire - a feasibility study

Abstract Introduction The use of structured questionnaires is common in patients with atopic dermatitis. Traditionally, this is done by paper-based questionnaires in clinics. Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many regard the shift from paper to digital forms as inevitable in order to improve efficiency, sustainability and reduce the risk of transmission. Objective This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of pre-visit digital questionnaires in paediatric dermatology clinics. Methods Text message invitations to complete online questionnaires were sent to all patients who are due to attend a paediatric dermatology clinic at Nottingham University Hospitals. Results 1,218 responses were received between Sept 2021 and Mar 2022. 338 patients were reported to have eczema as their main skin complaint (71 new patients, 267 follow-ups). Amongst these, 113 patients were under 4 years old, 136 were between 4-12 years old and 89 were aged 13 or above. The average patient reported eczema severity was recorded as 12.6 +/– 7.8 SD using the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) questionnaire. The majority of the questionnaires were filled in by the parents and required less than 5min to complete. 97.5% reported that they found the online questionnaire easier to use when compared to the paper format. Most participants and clinicians also reported they feel the online questionnaire enhanced their experience and consultation in the clinic. Conclusions Digital pre-visit online questionnaires are an acceptable method to gather information from parents of children with atopic dermatitis. Further work is required to assess the accuracy and clinical usefulness of the data.