ALIGN PsA: Advancing a Multidisciplinary Approach in PsA

Abstract

Estimated Time to Complete Activity: 1.0 hour Accreditation Statement This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower and Focus Medical Communications. The Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation The Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Target Audience This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician assistants, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners involved in the care of patients with psoriatic disease. Educational Needs Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects approximately 3.2% of adults in the United States. Psoriasis is associated with a number of coexisting conditions, the most prevalent of which is psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Among people with psoriasis, the prevalence of PsA is estimated to be between 6% and 41%. According to expert KOL opinion, interdisciplinary cooperation between dermatologists and rheumatologists remains a significant practice gap in the management of psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Combined clinics offer a promising care model because they increase collaborative care for patients with complex diseases, enhance professional development, provide unique training opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows in a setting where they can learn the importance of communication between patients and provider and allow the opportunity to study long-term outcomes and outcome measurements in patients with complex diseases.

A multidisciplinary team for the diagnosis and management of psoriatic arthritis

“…In addition to skin lesions, PsA patients often have musculoskeletal symptoms, nail changes, and ophthalmological features that simultaneously or successively occur with the skin lesions. [ 1 ] Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of PsA are challenging because of its various symptoms. In recent years, multidisciplinary management of PsA is gradually being valued, because early screening, diagnosis, and treatment can effectively control signs and symptoms of PsA, improve patients’ quality of life, and slow down the disease progression to a larger extent.…”

“…Also, by detecting enthesitis and extracapsular inflammation, MRI can discriminate among PsA, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. [ 1 , 2 ]…”

“…Before referral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed by dermatologists to relieve joint pain. [ 1 ]…”

“…Anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), alongside biological treatments, such as TNF inhibitors (TNFi), IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23/12 inhibitors, and novel targeted small molecule oral agents, including phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) inhibitors, have shown good efficacies on PsA in recent years. [ 1 ] Medications of TNFi and systemic glucocorticoids in PsA patients can lead to cutaneous complications. Rheumatologists should consult with a dermatologist to minimize flares and provide optimal management.…”

“…Rheumatologists should consult with a dermatologist to minimize flares and provide optimal management. [ 1 ]…”