Interdisziplinäre Psoriasisschulung in Blockform für erwachsene Patienten

Development and design of a multidisciplinary training program for outpatient children and adolescents with psoriasis and their parents

INTRODUCTION

To describe and illustrate in a case-study design the development and design of a multidisciplinary training program for outpatient children and adolescents with psoriasis and their parents.

METHODS

For the development of the program, a steering group was assembled, systematic semi-structured interviews were held and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

Aim of the training program was to strengthen patients and their parents in coping with and diminishing psoriasis-related problems in an outpatient setting. The program included treatment modules of medical information and skin care, itch and scratch problems, psychological issues in coping with the psoriasis, sleep hygiene and relapse prevention. Descriptive results in the case patient showed improvement of all outcome variables in the expected direction.

CONCLUSION

This is the first multidisciplinary training program for outpatient children and adolescents with psoriasis and their parents. It aims at improving coping skills and self-management and could be a promising addition to regular treatment.

Quality of life in patients with psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis with a special focus on stigmatization experience

Negative impact of psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis on quality of life is a central consequence of these diseases. Feelings of stigmatization might, for example, already emerge with only small patches of skin being affected. Empirical data indicate that treating dermatologists should address possible negative effects elicited by problematic encounters with the public and in sexual relationships even if the severity of the disease is low, because lesions on invisible parts of the body can already cause serious adverse impairment. Such psychosocial consequences can be reduced by attending a self-help organization and by taking part in an interdisciplinary patient education program led by dermatologists.

Psychosoziale Belastungen bei Psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND

The successful treatment of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis depends not only on the method of therapy but also on psychosocial factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A pilot study was performed on 22 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. The psychosocial stress, psychiatric features and their changes were assessed over a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation stay in a specialty clinic. The severity of the psoriasis, the subjective degree of suffering and the psychometric variables related to psychosomatic symptoms were assessed before and at the end of the treatment. After the hospitalization, the severity of disease and anger were both significantly decreased, along with an increased interest in social interactions.

CONCLUSION

In psoriasis patients, one can distinguish between different psychosocial factors, some of which are more likely to change. Stable attributes such as personality style can impact on compliance as well as on coping behaviors, thereby influencing treatment success. Our study shows that even within a rather short inpatient treatment period of 3 weeks not only the disease severity but also negative psychosocial stressors can be improved.

Psoriasisschulung für erwachsene Patienten nach den Regeln der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Prävention

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a substantial impairment of quality of life. Interdisciplinary outpatient educational programs are an innovative supplementary therapy form for the management of this disorder.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The Task Force on Dermatological Prevention developed a concept for outpatient instruction of psoriasis patients. Five 2-hour classes by dermatologists, psychotherapists/psychologists and dieticians focus on central topics relevant for the patients and the management of the disease.

RESULTS

The results presented are based on own experiences with this educational program. The interdisciplinary program is accepted very well and seen as helpful by the concerned. A structure analysis of the effects in a greater number of cases is a current goal. In some areas, health insurance companies are paying for the classes.

CONCLUSION

The educational program for the management of psoriasis vulgaris according to the rules of the Task Force on Dermatological Prevention is a supplement of the treatment of patients with this chronic skin disease. Broader implementation in Germany is desirable.