Patient Preference for Safety Vs Efficacy in the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Literature Review

Summary: Background: Psoriasis treatment is highly individualized, with options like phototherapy, topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics allowing for tailored plans. Preferences vary significantly among patients, and adherence to treatments, especially in moderate-to-severe cases, is often low. Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate how patients prioritize safety versus efficacy in psoriasis treatments and examine how these preferences influence adherence and overall treatment outcomes. Methods: A literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using terms such as “psoriasis,” “psoriasis treatment,” “efficacy,” “adverse effects,” “treatment satisfaction,” “patient preference,” and “discrete choice.” Discrete choice experiments from September 2007 to May 2022 were included in the review. Results: Patient preferences are influenced by factors like disease burden, geographic location, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status. Preferences also vary based on psoriasis location, treatment vehicle, application convenience, dosing frequency, administration route, and side effect tolerability. Limitations: This review's global applicability is limited, focusing mainly on developed countries and Caucasian populations. Funding sources might introduce bias, potentially favoring the sponsor's medication. Conclusion: Understanding the full range of patient preferences for psoriasis treatments can improve the patient-physician relationship, enhance satisfaction, and increase adherence to treatment plans. Background: Psoriasis treatment is highly individualized, with options like phototherapy, topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics allowing for tailored plans. Preferences vary significantly among patients, and adherence to treatments, especially in moderate-to-severe cases, is often low. Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate how patients prioritize safety versus efficacy in psoriasis treatments and examine how these preferences influence adherence and overall treatment outcomes. Methods: A literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using terms such as “psoriasis,” “psoriasis treatment,” “efficacy,” “adverse effects,” “treatment satisfaction,” “patient preference,” and “discrete choice.” Discrete choice experiments from September 2007 to May 2022 were included in the review. Results: Patient preferences are influenced by factors like disease burden, geographic location, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status. Preferences also vary based on psoriasis location, treatment vehicle, application convenience, dosing frequency, administration route, and side effect tolerability. Limitations: This review's global applicability is limited, focusing mainly on developed countries and Caucasian populations. Funding sources might introduce bias, potentially favoring the sponsor's medication. Conclusion: Understanding the full range of patient preferences for psoriasis treatments can improve the patient-physician relationship, enhance satisfaction, and increase adherence to treatment plans.