Myhill T, et al. - This study strived to gauge the consequence of supplementary patient education material (SEM) (a short video, information card, and additional information available online) on the treatment adherence and satisfaction among acne patients treated with the fixed-dose combination adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (A/BPO) in primary care clinics. The yielded findings were compared with (1) standard-of-care patient education (SOCPE) (package insert and oral instruction) and (2) SOCPE plus more frequent clinic visits. A rise in the adherence of acne patients treated with once-daily A/BPO gel could be achieved via SEM, in the primary care. This, in turn, improved the treatment and quality of life (QoL), in the long term.

Methods

• The enrollees with acne were randomized to receive once-daily A/BPO for 12 weeks plus (1) SEM in addition to SOCPE; (2) SOCPE only with two additional visits; or (3) SOCPE only.
• Additional analyses comprised of a subject appreciation questionnaire, a physician questionnaire, and safety.

Results

• This study recruited 97 subjects. At baseline, most (87.6%) patients reported mild to moderate acne.
• The A/BPO + SEM group displayed better adherence compared with A/BPO + more visits or A/BPO alone [mean 63.1%, 48.2% (p = 0.0206), and 56.5%, respectively].
• The A/BPO + SEM group constituted more individuals with greater than 75% adherence (45%, 30.4%, and 25%, respectively).
• The SEM was more beneficial to adhere to treatment (56.7%) versus more visits (32.3%) and A/BPO alone (15.2%), better use the product (70%, 61.3%, and 54.5%, respectively), and better manage skin irritation (53.3%, 48.4%, and 36.4%, respectively), based on the subject appreciation questionnaire.
• Satisfaction was found among all physicians with the SEM and 90% would consider its utility in their practice.
• Safety assessment illustrated fewer treatment-related adverse events in the A/BPO + SEM group.