Content Analysis and Dermatologic Gaps in Online Patient Education Materials for Graft-Versus-Host-Disease

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a complex systemic disease which is associated with significant physical and psychological distress in patients. Given the complexity of this disorder, navigation of educational information available to patients can be quite daunting. However, the availability of patient materials plays a vital role in a patient’s ability to navigate and manage such a difficult diagnosis. Specifically, patient education has been shown to reduce the uncertainty and stress that follows such a complex diagnosis, but to our knowledge no studies have evaluated the content of patient education materials on GVHD, especially from a dermatologic perspective. Despite the complexity of GVHD, cutaneous manifestations are common and often require management by dermatology. In this cross-sectional study, a Google search engine was utilized to assess websites for information on GVHD etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment, coverage of Acute GVHD, Chronic GVHD, cutaneous presentations, dermatologic management, and quality of life implications. It was evident that there was a paucity of information specific to the cutaneous manifestations and dermatologic management of GVHD. Results of this study emphasize the need for more robust integration of skin-specific information guided by expert dermatologist opinion in publicly available patient information materials online.