Belgian recommendations for managing psoriasis in a changing treatment landscape

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The increasing use of expensive biologic drugs and small molecules for psoriasis presents challenges for healthcare systems.
• Balancing innovative treatments with sustainable resource allocation is crucial in psoriasis management.
• Recent guideline updates and expert consensus are needed to inform treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide expert perspectives on optimizing the use of innovative psoriasis treatments in Belgium.
• To address challenges in psoriasis care, focusing on resource sustainability.
• To update Belgian evidence-based treatment advice in psoriasis (BETA-PSO).

Main Methods:

• A quasi-Delphi initiative involving eight experienced Belgian dermatologists.
• Incorporation of recent updates from EuroGuiDerm and German S2 psoriasis guidelines.
• Consideration of the International Psoriasis Council's definition of severe psoriasis and treating to target.

Main Results:

• Discussion on rationalizing the use of biologics and small molecules.
• Evaluation of older biologic classes, biosimilars, and personalized dosing.
• Exploration of teledermatology's role in sustainable, patient-centric care.

Conclusions:

• The updated BETA-PSO provides evidence-based recommendations for sustainable systemic and biologic therapy in psoriasis.
• Clinicians are guided on efficient and responsible prescribing of innovative psoriasis treatments.
• Expert consensus addresses the evolving landscape of psoriasis management and resource allocation.