Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Psoriasis White Paper

A framework for improving the quality of care for people with psoriasis

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

July 2012; Volume 26: Supplement 4

Please click here for further information on the framework that was developed

A European Expert Working Group for Healthcare in Psoriasis (EEWGHP) has found that people living with moderate to severe psoriasis are often undertreated1, and there is enormous variation across Europe in the quality of care that they receive.2,3 Early access to high-quality care – the right treatment, at the right time – is central to improving the overall treatment experience, and long-term outlook, for a person with psoriasis. However, the group found that there are currently many patients not benefiting from early access to high-quality care.

The Psoriasis White Paper ‘A framework for improving the quality of care for people with psoriasis’ is the outcome of the EEWGHP’s findings and discussions, and provides a framework for improving early access to high-quality care for people with psoriasis in Europe, through raised awareness and consistent management. Ultimately, it is hoped that this framework will help to raise treatment aspirations in psoriasis (of both healthcare professionals and people with psoriasis), thereby improving clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for the 17 to 25 million^4,5 people living with psoriasis in Europe.

For more information, please click here to view a short presentation on the Psoriasis White Paper.

There is now an opportunity for you to show your support for the rights of people with psoriasis, and to call for the recommendations of the Psoriasis White Paper to be acted on. The Psoriasis Mandate is an online petition highlighting 5 key rights of people with psoriasis.

Click here to sign the Psoriasis Mandate and show your support for improved standards of care for each and every person living with psoriasis in Europe today.

The Psoriasis White Paper and the Psoriasis Mandate are supported by Janssen, more specifically Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Belgium.

References:

1. Mrowietz U, Kragballe K, Reich K et al. Definition of treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis: a European consensus. Arch Dermatol Res 2011; 303: 1–10.

2. Pathirana D, Ormerod AD, Saiag P et al. European S3-guidelines on the systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. J Eur Acad Dermatol Vene-reol 2009; 23: 1–70.

3. Augustin M, Krüger K, Radtke MA et al. Disease severity, quality of life and health care in plaque-type psoriasis: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Germany. Dermatology 2008; 216: 366–372.

4. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis: Statistics. Available at: www.psoriasis.org/about/stats. Last accessed June 2012.

5. World Health Organisation. Available at: www.who.int/choice/demography/pop_death_rates/en/index.html. Last accessed June 2012.