Development and validation of a psoriasis treatment acceptability measure through group concept mapping

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Psychometrics
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Psoriasis significantly impacts patient quality of life and disease burden.
• Existing psoriasis treatments vary in efficacy, safety, and tolerability.
• A validated patient-reported instrument for psoriasis treatment expectations was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fit-for-purpose, self-reported instrument to assess patient expectations and preferences for psoriasis treatments.
• To create a tool that informs shared decision-making in psoriasis management.

Main Methods:

• Two studies employed qualitative and quantitative methods across the psoriasis severity spectrum.
• Group concept mapping (GCM) identified key treatment concepts from patients and dermatologists.
• Cognitive debriefing (CD) and psychometric analyses validated the preliminary Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire (TAQ).

Main Results:

• GCM exercises generated 43 and 37 concepts from moderate-to-severe and mild/newly diagnosed psoriasis patients, respectively.
• A preliminary TAQ with 28 concepts was developed, refined to 20 items after CD interviews showed strong patient understanding.
• Psychometric analysis confirmed the final TAQ possesses strong validity and reliability.

Conclusions:

• The Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire (TAQ) is a novel, psychometrically validated instrument.
• The TAQ effectively captures patient expectations and preferences for psoriasis treatment.
• This tool facilitates informed shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients managing psoriasis.