A recent study conducted in the U.S. sheds light on the differing priorities of people with psoriatic arthritis and the doctors who care for them. While both groups agree on the importance of managing key issues like pain, fatigue, and inflammation, the study reveals some notable differences in how they view the condition.
For those living with psoriatic arthritis, the emphasis tends to be on factors that affect daily life, such as sleep quality, the ability to maintain everyday activities, and concerns about long-term health and mobility. These concerns are particularly relevant in the UK, where patients may face challenges with long wait times or difficulty accessing specialist care due to the demands on the National Health Service (NHS).
Clinicians, on the other hand, often focus on the physical symptoms and long-term damage caused by the condition, such as joint deformity. This difference in priorities can sometimes lead to misalignment between what doctors’ think is most important and what patients actually experience day-to-day.
One of the key insights from the study is that patients feel vulnerable about their access to care, especially as treatment can vary depending on the availability of specialists and resources in different parts of the UK. This is a concern that resonates with many in the UK, where healthcare access can sometimes feel like a postcode lottery.
Researchers behind the study stress the importance of improving communication between patients and healthcare providers. They suggest that by prioritising patient-reported outcomes, clinicians can deliver more personalised care, focusing on the aspects of the disease that matter most to the individual. This, they argue, will lead to better overall health outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and greater patient satisfaction with their treatment plans.
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with psoriatic arthritis, healthcare professionals in the UK can help ensure a more comprehensive approach to treatment, putting patients' real-world experiences at the centre of care.
Reference:
Mease PJ, Husni ME, Siegel E, et al. What matters in psoriatic arthritis: A comparison of patient and clinician perspectives. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2025;7(1):e11781. doi:10.1002/acr2.11781