How does COVID-19 impact psoriasis practice, prescription patterns, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients? A cross-sectional survey study.
J Cosmet Dermatol
; 20(6): 1573-1579, 2021 Jun.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1166107
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that needs continuous medical care. During COVID-19, delivering medical service was negatively affected.AIMS:
To describe the impact of COVID-19 on psoriasis healthcare delivery, management, and practice.METHODS:
This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 197 dermatologists using a validated online questionnaire. The survey evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the decisions, prescription patterns, appointments rescheduling, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients by dermatologists. The questionnaire was developed and validated with a reliability score >0.7.RESULTS:
During the pandemic, most dermatologists delayed initiating biological/immunosuppressive therapy for psoriasis unless urgently needed by the patient. For patients already receiving biologics or immunosuppressive treatment, most dermatologists favored continuation of therapy. Almost half (44.2%) of participants do not perform SARS-CoV-2 PCR screening before initiating biologics/immunosuppressive therapy. Dermatologists also reported an increased prescription of topical medications (79.2%), natural sunlight (28.4%), acitretin (26.9%), and home UVB (21.3%). Opinions regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment/prophylaxis for psoriasis patients were controversial. Intervals between face-to-face follow-up visits were prolonged by 71.6% of dermatologists. More than half of participants reported that their patients discontinued treatment without medical consultation. More than three fourth of responders either agreed or strongly agreed that COVID-19 negatively affected psoriasis patients.CONCLUSIONS:
The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on psoriasis management and healthcare delivery. Dermatologists are cautious about using biologics and immunosuppressive drugs during the pandemic, making case-by-case decisions. Psoriasis patients need compliance monitoring, and psychological support during the pandemic, which can be facilitated by teledermatology.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Psoriasis
/
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Cosmet Dermatol
Journal subject:
Dermatology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Jocd.14104
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