With respect to screening for comorbidities in psoriasis, standardized and consented algorithms are available, which - on national level - may be implemented as a screening tool within the framework of PsoNet - German Psoriasis Networks.

Empirical evidence of the efficacy of drugs and therapeutic procedures becomes more important in industrial countries. The assessment of patient benefit from the patient's perspective is of particular relevance. The Patient Benefit Index (PBI) for skin diseases is a validated instrument to assess patient-relevant benefit in patients with skin diseases. So far, no instrument for the assessment of patient-relevant needs and benefits in patients with psoriasis has been published. Objective of the study was the validation of an instrument to assess patient benefit in psoriasis treatment. Patient-relevant treatment needs and benefits in psoriasis patients were recorded with the PBI questionnaire in two studies conducted in 2007. Treatment goals and benefits were used to calculate an importance-weighted PBI. Data of n = 2,009 patients in the cross-sectional study and n = 93 patients in the longitudinal study were used to test validity, feasibility and reliability of the PBI. The PBI was feasible with a rate of missing values ≤1.5 % in PNQ and ≤2.0 % in PBQ. The subscales of the PBI were internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.68-0.87). The PBI showed convergent validity regarding the quality of life, psoriasis area and severity index, and two single questions on treatment benefit used in the longitudinal study. The PBI is a suitable instrument for the assessment of patient-reported benefit in the treatment of psoriasis.

Introduction: Evidence supports the potential value of matching patient preferences to treatment recommendations. The aim of the study was to design and validate a questionnaire on treatment satisfaction for clinical decision-making. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search identifying measurable indicators. The complete item pool was condensed to a core set by a multidisciplinary expert panel and tested in a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study. Results: The questionnaire consisted of 8 questions, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. In total, 213 dermatology centres included 2,084 patients. The mean disease duration was 19 years. A majority of patients (82.8%) was moderately to very satisfied. 108 patients (5.8%) felt to be bothered by side effects, and 32.1% ascertained that the current therapy had been conducted for too long without success. Discussion: The PsoSat Questionnaire was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring therapy-related satisfaction. Further research on its implementation in clinical decision-making is necessary to finally evaluate the benefit of this tool.

With respect to screening for comorbidities in psoriasis, standardized and consented algorithms are available, which - on national level - may be implemented as a screening tool within the framework of PsoNet - German Psoriasis Networks.