Abstract
Patients with allergic skin disease were asked about their preferences for a “more effective” antihistamine or a “less hypnotic” antihistamine on a questionnaire, and medical outcomes, safety and patient satisfaction were assessed for the treatment chosen on the questionnaire. Of 76% who preferred a “more effective” drug, 43% was “very satisfied” with the drug, 36% “somewhat satisfied” and 21% “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied”, while 22% preferred a “less hypnotic” drug, 29% of whom was “very satisfied”, 50%“somewhat satisfied”, 14% “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” and 7% “very dissatisfied.” With regard to their preferences being considered in treatment decision making, 19 patients “felt safe and got a sense of satisfaction and contentment”, 47% of whom was “very satisfied” and 53% “somewhat satisfied” with their treatment. Of 36 patients “leaving treatment selection to their doctor because of lack of knowledge”, 36% felt “very satisfied”, 33% “somewhat satisfied”, 28% “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” and 3% “very dissatisfied.” Nearly half of the patients who had been “bothered by sleepiness” after taking over-the-counter cold medicines had a preference for a “more effective” antihistamine. It is suggested that treatment selection depending on patient preferences results in bringing a feeling of safety and increasing patient satisfaction.
