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How does COVID-19 impact psoriasis practice, prescription patterns, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients? A cross-sectional survey study.


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.

SUBMITTER: El-Komy MHM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8250824 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

How does COVID-19 impact psoriasis practice, prescription patterns, and healthcare delivery for psoriasis patients? A cross-sectional survey study.

El-Komy Mohamed H M MHM   Abdelnaby Asmaa A   El-Kalioby Mona M  

Journal of cosmetic dermatology 20210403 6


<h4>Background</h4>Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that needs continuous medical care. During COVID-19, delivering medical service was negatively affected.<h4>Aims</h4>To describe the impact of COVID-19 on psoriasis healthcare delivery, management, and practice.<h4>Methods</h4>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 res  ...[more]

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