National Psoriasis Foundation: a patient-centric approach to improve access to psoriatic disease treatment

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are serious autoimmune diseases requiring lifelong management and support. Uncontrolled psoriatic disease wields a significant impact on the lives of those affected, resulting in lowered quality of life, disability, depression, increased risk of related illnesses (eg, heart disease, diabetes), and early mortality. In National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) surveys, roughly two-thirds of patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis said their disease made them feel angry, frustrated, and/or helpless, and more than half said psoriasis interfered with their ability to enjoy life. The economic burden of psoriasis is equally daunting, and NPF surveys consistently report cost to be a significant barrier to treatment. This challenge is one of many reasons the NPF launched an aggressive strategic plan in 2014 intended to: 1) cut in half the number of patients who report that their condition is a problem in everyday life, 2) increase by 50% the number of patients receiving the right treatment, and 3) double the number of healthcare providers effectively managing patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The NPF has launched several large-scale projects-including the development and implementation of solutions that reduce high out-of-pocket costs-intended to significantly increase the number of people with psoriatic disease who are effectively managing their condition.