OBJECTIVES: Few data exist on healthcare resource utilization (HRCU) by Greek patients suffering from moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (M2S-AD). In previous reports, we depicted the burden, and treatment patterns of Greek adult M2S-AD patients. We herein report the HRCU in the same group.

METHODS: This 9-month (September 2021 to June 2022) cross-sectional study included patients with clinical diagnosis of moderate-to-severe AD (M2S-AD) attending for the first time tertiary centers of reference, experienced in AD management. Data were collected through questionnaires during a single visit.

RESULTS: Overall, 184 adult patients with moderate (M-AD) and severe AD (S-AD), 64% and 36%, respectively, were included. In the year before the study: 95.7% (176/184) of patients consulted a median (IQR) of 2 (1-2) different HCP specialties and performed a median of 5 (3-10) visits [4 (2-6), excluding pharmacists]. Dermatologists were the most commonly visited physicians, with a median of 2 (IQR: 2-4) visits for both M-AD and S-AD patients, followed by allergists [M-AD 2 (1-4); S-AD 2.5 (1.0-8.5)]. Of M-AD patients, 22.4%, and 37.9% of S-AD patients visited an emergency room for AD, while 4.3% and 10.4% respectively were hospitalized in the same period. Furthermore, 11.2% of S-AD patients and 15.2% of M-AD patients reported ever being hospitalized due to AD. The median (IQR) out-of-pocket cost for emollients and skin care products in the last month was 25€ (20-35) and 30€ (20-40) respectively. Out-of-pocket cost of other items supporting AD management in the past (clothing etc.) exceeded 100€ in 19.6% and 31.3% of M-AD and S-AD patients respectively. Regarding absenteeism due to AD, 20.2% of M-AD and 46.3% of S-AD patients reported missing school or work for ≥2 days within last month (among students/employed patients with available data).

CONCLUSIONS: Both moderate and severe AD Greek patients present with substantial AD-associated HRCU, out-of-pocket payments, and absenteeism.