Perception of psoriasis treatment in the outpatient setting: survey of patients and their prescribing physicians.

BACKGROUND

Patients' perception of disease management can influence compliance to treatment and thus affect outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To survey patients and physicians on their perceptions of biologic therapy for treating psoriasis in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

The subjective impact of intravenous treatment of severe psoriasis on patients and physicians in the outpatient setting was determined via two surveys.

RESULTS

Between September and November 2014, 24 dermatologists and 90 patients were surveyed. Treatment with biologic agents in the outpatient setting was associated with a high level of patient satisfaction: 93.3% of patients considered their psoriasis well controlled and 46.1% reported complete control. Patients highly valued the feeling of greater disease control (72.2%), regular follow-up (66.7%) and rapid improvement of psoriasis (58.9%) when attending an outpatient setting. Other positive aspects of outpatient treatment were control of other health issues and perceived improvements in quality of life (QoL). Outpatient attendance was high; with 90% of patients keeping scheduled appointments and 79.2% of physicians acknowledged that they were able to monitor their patients' condition more closely.

CONCLUSION

Administration of treatment in an outpatient setting may provide a feeling of improved QoL and disease control.