Program will enable hospital to better educate patients and their families
TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - La Roche-Posay is pleased to announce its support of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in the creation of its Atopic Dermatitis Education Program, an initiative to provide patients and their families with valuable one-on-one clinical education to help better manage the condition.
A type of eczema, atopic dermatitis can be a chronic condition for some, causing dry skin, intense itching and a red, raised rash. Common in babies and children, more than 25 per cent of Canadian children are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis each year.
"Eczema is a disease that often causes physical and psychological distress," says Dr. Miriam Weinstein, a paediatric dermatologist at SickKids. "Patients and parents of patients are often bombarded with a lot of conflicting information and are frequently left not understanding eczema and its impact on daily life."
Building on its experience with similar education programs, La Roche-Posay partnered with the Eczema Society of Canada (ESC)—a Canadian charity dedicated to eczema research, education, and awareness— to help create the new initiative. A long-time partner in patient and dermatologist education, La Roche-Posay has been helping the ESC fundraise for years. Using this money, the ESC was able to donate to SickKids to start the Atopic Dermatitis Education Program.
Dr. Weinstein says the goal of the new program is to formalize the education process on eczema and ultimately deliver it to many more families.
"Our patients need to be informed of the best strategies to adequately prevent and manage flares," says Dr. Weinstein. "We have seen that educating families can help overcome these challenges, allowing patients and their families to successfully cope with eczema."
The Dermatology Clinic at SickKids is a high volume outpatient clinic treating an average of 6,000 patients per year, as well as providing consultation services to physicians and other health professionals on children's skin conditions.
Today marks the launch of the Atopic Dermatitis Education Program's pilot: a six-month trial of twice monthly one-on-one educational clinics. After the research and evaluation phase that follows, SickKids aims to implement the long-term program within two to four years.
"Education is the cornerstone of treatment for any condition, especially a painful skin disease like atopic dermatitis. With this program, SickKids will be empowered to go above and beyond, providing individualized sessions that will truly make all the difference in patient care," says Dominique Soussan, vice-president and general manager, La Roche-Posay. "As Canada's number one recommended brand by dermatologists, we are proud to support SickKids and position the hospital as a centre of excellence for the management of atopic dermatitis, and most importantly, improve the lives of their patients."
About La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a division of L'Oréal Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L'Oréal Group, the largest cosmetics company in the world. Headquartered in Montreal, L'Oréal Canada had sales of over $900 million in 2011 and employs more than 1,200 people. The company's prestigious portfolio of over 25 brands encompasses all aspects of beauty. For more information, please visit http://www.en.laroche-posay.ca.
About SickKids Foundation
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids -- one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $61.3 million in children's health, a direct result of community and corporate support. For more information, please visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com.
About the Eczema Society of Canada
The Eczema Society of Canada is a registered charity dedicated to meeting the needs of those suffering with eczema, through patient support, education, awareness, and research. The Society has developed the Seal of Acceptance program to help people with eczema and sensitive skin navigate the often confusing and overwhelming marketplace. Products that earn the seal have been formulated for, or intended specifically to be suitable for the sensitive skin of eczema. For more information on eczema, speak to your doctor or visit www.eczemahelp.ca.
Image with caption: "Lise Cole from La Roche-Posay is presented with a plaque from Dr. Miriam Weinstein, paediatric dermatologist and Seanna Dempsey, Director, Corporate Partnerships, SickKids Foundation at The Hospital for Sick Children (CNW Group/La Roche-Posay)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130228_C9058_PHOTO_EN_24120.jpg
SOURCE: La Roche-Posay
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