Patient Perceptions of Psoriatic Arthritis Management and Communication with Physicians in Australia: Results from a Patient Survey

Introduction The objective of this report was to evaluate perceptions of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment and satisfaction with healthcare professional (HCP) communication among patients with PsA in Australia, compared with overall global perceptions. Methods Data were collected via a global and country-specific survey (The Harris Poll; November 2, 2017-March 12, 2018). Eligible patients were >= 18 years old, had been diagnosed with PsA > 1 year prior, had seen a rheumatologist or dermatologist within the past 12 months, and had previously received >= 1 conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. Data reported by patients included baseline demographics, overall health, time since PsA diagnosis, PsA severity, satisfaction with current PsA medication and management, and experiences regarding communication with their HCP. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Results Most patients in Australia were very or somewhat satisfied with their PsA medication, and reported always or often taking their medication exactly as directed by their HCP. However, the majority still experienced symptoms, reported their overall health as poor or fair, and would change something about their PsA medication. While the majority of patients in Australia were satisfied with the communication with their HCP, most would prefer increased communication but some felt that asking too many questions would affect the quality of their care. Perceptions in Australia were similar to global perceptions. Conclusions Although most patients with PsA in Australia were satisfied with their disease management and communication with their HCP, many still experienced symptoms, would change something about their PsA medication, and would prefer increased communication with their HCP. Plain Language Summary Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can cause tender and swollen joints. If not treated properly, the joint damage can get worse, until patients struggle to cope with everyday tasks. Patients and their doctors need to communicate well to successfully manage PsA. We used an online survey to ask patients in Australia how they feel about their PsA medication and the way they communicate with their doctor. These patients were adults who had had PsA for more than 1 year, had seen a specialist doctor in the past year, and had taken one or more prescription PsA medications. A total of 152 patients in Australia completed the survey. Most patients were very or somewhat satisfied with the PsA medication they were taking, and most always or often took it exactly as their doctor told them to. However, almost all patients still had symptoms, most said their overall health was poor or fair, and most would like to change something about their medication. While most patients were satisfied with the communication with their doctor about PsA, most wished they talked more with their doctor about their PsA and treatment goals, but some felt that asking too many questions would harm their quality of care. Patients in Australia had similar answers to patients who answered the survey in other countries. Although the survey was limited by the number of patients who responded, and whether patients answered questions properly, it suggests that patients and doctors need to communicate more closely to improve PsA management.