- Il presente studio multicentrico randomizzato controllato ha valutato un eventuale beneficio di un programma educativo multidisciplinare standardizzato per i pazienti affetti da psoriasi.
- Il programma educativo multidisciplinare standardizzato non ha migliorato la qualità della vita correlata alla salute o la severità della malattia, ma ha determinato un miglioramento significativo della conoscenza del paziente relativa alla malattia e un’aumentata soddisfazione.
Abstract
Background
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a profound effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patient education programmes may help patients to gain life-long control over their chronic disease.
Objective
This multicentre randomised controlled study evaluated whether a standardised multidisciplinary education programme was beneficial to psoriasis patients.
Methods
Adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intervention group to receive an educational programme or to a control group to receive usual care. Randomization was stratified by previous treatment history. The primary outcome was HRQoL, assessed by scoring the Skindex-29 domains emotion, symptom, and functioning. Psoriasis severity was assessed using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Levels of perceived stress, patient knowledge about psoriasis, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Results
A total 142 patients formed the intention-to-treat population: 70 in the control group and 72 in the intervention group. Skindex component scores and the PASI were significantly lower at 3, 6, and 12 months as compared to baseline in both groups, but no significant differences were found between the groups. Knowledge about psoriasis improved significantly during follow-up amongst patients from the intervention group compared to controls (68% of correct answers vs. 56%; p <0.01). Patient satisfaction with psoriasis management and treatment was also better in the intervention group.
Conclusions
The standardised education programme did not improve HRQoL and disease severity in psoriasis, but led to a significant improvement in patient knowledge about the disease and increased patient satisfaction.