Patient satisfaction scores in adults with psoriasis

Patient satisfaction is associated with improved patient retention and clinical outcomes. Previous studies investigated the impact of disease severity and mental health conditions on patient satisfaction among psoriasis patients. However, associations with healthcare utilization were not studied. Moreover, socio-demographic differences in patient satisfaction among adults with psoriasis are not well-delineated. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of psoriasis disease on patient satisfaction among US adults and examine associations of satisfaction with healthcare utilization and socio-demographic characteristics. We analyzed the 2000-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, representative surveys of US population health status and perceptions. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey. Adults with psoriasis were compared to a control group of all adults without current diagnosis of psoriasis. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations of satisfaction among those with psoriasis. Overall, data were analyzed from 1419 adults with psoriasis who completed the entire CAHPS survey. Adults with psoriasis had similar patient satisfaction compared to healthy controls (LS-means: 86.0 vs 85.6, adjusted β [CI 95]: 0.38 [- 0.45, 1.22]). Based on sensitivity analysis, adults with vs without psoriasis had similar rates of high satisfaction in each CAHPS domain: time spent, clear explanations, listening, and respect demonstrated. Among those with psoriasis, high satisfaction was associated with ≥ 1 office visit (adjusted OR [CI 95]: 2.50 [1.63, 3.84]), and consultation with a specialist was associated with increased satisfaction (adjusted β [CI 95]: 1.36 [0.95, 1.77]). Overall satisfaction score among psoriasis adults was associated with increased age and black race, and inversely associated with lower income, public or no insurance, other race or multiracial, and multimorbidity. In conclusion, psoriasis diagnosis was not associated with difference in satisfaction. However, lower-income adults with public or no insurance and multimorbidity had lower satisfaction. Moreover, specialist consultation was associated with higher satisfaction. Multidisciplinary and increased healthcare access are needed to optimize patient satisfaction.