Breaking New Ground: Experts Recommend Implementing Well-Being in Psoriasis Management

IFPA co-authored a significant article titled "Implementing well-being in the management of psoriasis: An expert recommendation", published in The Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology.

This article addresses the critical aspect of well-being in the context of psoriatic disease management, offering insights and recommendations based on the consensus of experts in the field. Psoriatic disease is a chronic skin condition that not only affects individuals physically but also has profound implications for their mental and social well-being. The study explores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted impact of psoriatic disease on people’s lives, emphasizing the importance of considering not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and social aspects of well-being. In this article, the authors present a structured consensus based on extensive literature research, highlighting key recommendations for clinicians to integrate well-being into the management of psoriatic disease effectively.

This project was based on a structured expert consensus process that aimed to explore the concept of well-being in dermatological care, specifically focusing on psoriatic disease management. The project involved a multidisciplinary team of experts, including dermatologists, psychologists, health researchers, and dermatology nurses from various European countries. The project began with a moderated expert workshop where participants discussed the theoretical aspects and issues related to well-being in dermatology. The workshop aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities for incorporating well-being into the care of people living with psoriatic disease.

After the expert workshop, the team conducted an extensive literature search using PubMed. The search terms were carefully chosen and covered various aspects, including biologics, dermatology, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), happiness, health, healthcare, management, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), patient-centered care, people-centered care, person-centered care, psoriasis, quality of life (QoL), shared decision-making, and well-being.

This article discusses the impact of psoriatic disease on people's physical, mental, and social health and the need for a more comprehensive approach to its management, focusing on the concept of well-being. The article highlights that psoriatic disease not only causes physical symptoms like changes in appearance, itching, and pain but also leads to significant psychosocial factors, such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

The authors argue that traditional approaches to psoriatic disease management often fall short of addressing the full spectrum of issues faced by individual living with the condition. The World Health Assembly and the World Health Organization have recognized psoriatic disease as a serious non-communicable disease, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare for affected individuals. This approach, known as people-centered healthcare (PCHC), seeks to restore well-being and health, considering their physical, mental, and social needs.

The article proposes a series of recommendations for implementing well-being in the management of psoriatic disease, with a focus on patient-centered care. These recommendations include:

1. Listening to the patient: Understanding their needs, preferences, and empowerment level.
2. Evaluating both the physical and emotional impact of the disease: Recognizing that psoriasis affects not only the skin but also mental and social well-being.
3. Identifying aspects that can lead to cumulative deterioration of the disease throughout life.
4. Continuously assessing the patient's preferences in collaboration with expert clinicians.
5. Integrating external clinical evidence into the decision-making process.

The authors suggest that a paradigm shift is needed to focus on the people's well-being as the primary goal of healthcare. This approach involves shared decision-making, individualized care plans, and a multidisciplinary team that includes dermatologists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Understanding the patient's needs and values, and involving them in the decision-making process, can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved well-being.

In conclusion, the article advocates for a holistic and people-centered approach to the management of psoriatic disease that incorporates the concept of well-being. By considering all aspects of health and well-being, healthcare providers can better meet the needs and preferences of people living with psoriatic disease, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. This approach aligns with the World Health Organization's definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.

For a more in-depth exploration of the ideas and information touched upon in this summary, we encourage you to access the full article. Click the link below to read the article.

Read the article, here.