PsoBarrier EU study: a Multicentre, Cross-sectional Survey Investigating the Quality of Psoriasis Care in Four European Countries

Enhanced treatment options for psoriasis and growing use of guidelines increased the potential to better quality of psoriasis care in Europe. The aim of the PsoBarrier EU study is to compare the quality and processes of psoriasis care in four European countries with different healthcare systems, based on validated quality indicators. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in dermatology centres in Denmark, Germany, Poland and Spain on 1,304 patients, using standardized patient and physician questionnaires. Measured by quality of psoriasis care indicators, patients in Poland had the most critical outcomes, such as the highest disease severity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PASI) and lowest health-related quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index; DLQI). This indicates differences in psoriasis care, with Polish participants experiencing more severe psoriasis and its consequences. Differences in the healthcare systems, which create barriers to accessing treatments, could explain variations in quality of care. SIGNIFICANCE Analysis of healthcare quality in psoriasis in four European countries (Denmark, Germany, Poland and Spain) revealed marked differences in patient-relevant indicators, which may result from different healthcare systems. Lack of access to guideline-compliant treatment for psoriasis could be the major barrier explaining higher reductions in quality of life for patients with psoriasis in Poland. These data indicate variations in healthcare within the European Union, which should be the target for improvements.