Psoriasis y Primer Nivel

Journal Scan / Research · June 24, 2020

Psoriasis: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Among Primary Care Providers

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• The authors surveyed 147 primary care providers (PCPs) regarding their perceptions, practice, and referral patterns when managing psoriasis. More than 80% of PCPs found psoriasis difficult to treat, whereas 66.2% felt hesitant to prescribe high-potency topical steroids and only 11.4% utilized phototherapy. The majority (~94%) were uncomfortable prescribing systemic agents. PCPs identified wait time (81.7%) and lack of post-referral communication (29.4%) as barriers to referring patients to dermatologists. Most respondents (~71%) were interested in dermatologist-led training on psoriasis management.

• PCPs' hesitation to use nontopical therapies for psoriasis management and barriers to referral may lead to undertreatment of many psoriasis patients. Dermatologists can assist with PCP education or ensure post-referral communication to improve the management of these patients.

– Margaret Hammond, MD

abstract

This abstract is available on the publisher's site.

Psoriasis is often undertreated despite the availability of effective therapies.1 In one survey, 59% of 1.7 million insured patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were untreated in the prior year.2 In another study of patients with a sole diagnosis of psoriasis, fewer than 60% had seen a healthcare provider in the past year.3 Psoriasis is commonly initially managed by primary care with referral to dermatology subsequently occurring.1 This study aimed to explore primary care providers' (PCP) perceptions, practice, and referral patterns when managing psoriasis to determine where barriers to treatment might occur. PCPs included physicians, residents, and advanced practice professionals. Topics assessed included: perceptions about psoriasis, perceptions about the patients with psoriasis, challenges in psoriasis assessment and management, obstacles in referrals to specialists, and knowledge and training on psoriasis.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Psoriasis: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Among Primary Care Providers

J Am Acad Dermatol 2020 Jun 08;[EPub Ahead of Print], S Kumar, K Flood, NM Golbari, AP Charrow, ML Porter, AB Kimball