Table 1 Key IDF clinical guideline recommendations for the treatment of acne and their operational methods of assessment
Population | IDF guideline recommendation | Assessment in study |
|---|---|---|
All acne patients | Assign treatment according to acne severity | Not assessed in study: could not be evaluated by computerized query (Disease severity not stated within diagnosis field) |
All acne patients | Progress gradually between treatment lines | Correctness of treatment progression assessed for treatment courses of distinct acne medications (see Table 4) |
Patients treated with oral retinoids | Rule out psychiatric diagnoses prior to treatment initiation, and refer to psychiatrist if necessary | Not assessed in study: information not available in computerized patient records |
Patients treated with oral retinoids | Monitor laboratory test values (liver enzymes, plasma lipid profile) before and during treatment. | Not assessed in study: computerized laboratory test records were not available for cross analysis between databases. |
Patients treated with oral retinoids | Prescribe supportive care if necessary. | Concomitant prescribing or dispensing of supportive care medications was assessed (see Table 5). |
Patients treated with oral retinoids | Restrict patient participation in strenuous physical activity by temporarily adjusting medical profile. | Not assessed in study: documentation of temporary change in medical profile was not available after reinstatement of permanent profile. |
Female patients treated with oral retinoids (teratogenic) | - Rule out pregnancy (laboratory test). | Documented concomitant prescribing or dispensing of oral contraceptives to female patients receiving OI’s. |
- Inform the patient of potential hazards and explain about required birth control measures. | ||
- Have the patient sign a statement and file in their medical record (see background). |