Abstract
Since many of the causes of atopic dermatitis can be found in daily life, self-care and patient education play a very important role in the management of the disease. Due to time limitations and other factors, holistic care requires the participation of medical staff with dermatologists. In our clinic, holistic medical care of patients with atopic dermatitis has been practiced by adopting a team care system and self-care education of patients. Regarding patient education, the following approaches have been employed in our clinic : 1. Outpatient in-clinic consultation with dermatologists and other medical staff. 2. Telephone consultations. 3. Posting medical information in the clinic (figures and tables presented at medical meetings, clippings from newspapers, journals, books, etc.). 4. Distribution of leaflets for patient education. 5. In-house newsletters carrying patients' experiences, medical information and answers to queries placed in the Question Box (in the Clinic). 6. Arranging patient get-togethers. 7. Arranging trips to the sea, or hot-spring bathing. 8. Installing a Question Box into which patients can place queries for doctors. 9. Counseling by nurses. Patient self-care education and team care are closely related, to help ensure successful holistic care for patients with atopic dermatitis.
