Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the experiences of dermatologists and rheumatologists in the early recognition of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify potential improvements to the current shared-care model.
Methods A 24-question survey addressing referral strategies was constructed within GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) and sent to all members (n=927). Questions addressed the use of screening tools, frequency of PsA in patients with psoriasis, therapeutic decision making, and suggestions for earlier PsA recognition and current unmet needs.
Results There were 149 respondents (16.1% response rate), which included 113 rheumatologists from 37 countries, and 26 dermatologists from 16 countries. Of dermatologists, 81% use PsA-specific screening instruments. Conversely, rheumatologists reported that only 26.8% of patients referred to them from all sources had been assessed with screening tools. Whilst dermatologists reported that a mean of 67% of suspected PsA cases were confirmed, rheumatologists reported a mean of 47.9% of confirmed cases. Both specialties reported similar views regarding optimisation of the diagnostic process and indicated that the best approach involved combining patient-reported (i.e. screening tools) and physician-confirmed findings. Moreover, both specialties identified the education of primary care physicians (PCPs) and dermatologists as the greatest priority to improve PsA screening
Conclusion The survey indicated the current unmet needs in the early recognition of PsA. Important areas to address include improving the use of screening instruments, increasing the education of community-based dermatologists and PCPs, and utilising a combination of patient-reported and physician-confirmed findings in the screening approach.
