Efficacy of a single educational intervention in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

Background: An effective patient-physician relationship is important in the management of psoriatic patients. Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of an educational intervention for patients with psoriasis in improving disease knowledge and attitude towards physicians and systemic treatments. Methods: The intervention consisted of a single, 2-hour educational programme conducted either by a dermatologist or by a dermatologist and a psychologist. Information on psoriasis and its treatment was given. A questionnaire concerning knowledge about psoriasis was administered before and after the programme, and after 6 months. Results: 123 patients were enrolled. They reported a high degree of satisfaction with the intervention, improvement in knowledge about the disease and a better attitude towards therapy. After 6 months a better knowledge about the disease and a higher attitude to treatment were retained. Conclusions: A single educational intervention may be helpful in improving psoriasis knowledge and give psychological relief to patients. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel