Transmural occupational care for hand eczema - a randomized controlled trial and cost-effectiveness evaluation

Hand eczema is a common disease with an unfavourable prognosis. It accounts for 90% of all occupational skin diseases and is in the top three of work-related disorders.
Medical consumption, as well as costs related to productivity loss and sick leave, are high. Target of this study is to evaluate the (cost)effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach coordinated by a care manager, compared to usual care. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Primary outcome measures are difference in reduction of clinical severity scores and direct and indirect costs. Measurements will take place at baseline and after 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Main research question is: Is transmural care for hand eczema by a specialized multidisciplinary centre aiming at coordination, optimal instruction and treatment (cost)effective as compared to regular dermatologist-led care?

Is transmural care for hand eczema by a specialized multidisciplinary centre (cost)effective as compared to usual care?

At baseline and after 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

Multidisciplinary treatment coordinated by a care manager consists of consults with a dermatologist, a specialized nurse (after 1,2, 4 and 12 weeks) and an occupational physician (if there is a relation with work).
The intervention takes up till 12 weeks. The control group receives standard care provided by a dermatologist. After testing, results will be evaluated and patients will be informed by the dermatologist.