Points to Consider in the Foundation of Multidisciplinary Units for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Delphi Study and a Systematic Review of the Literature

• Published in: Advances in therapy Vol. 33; no. 12; pp. 2150 - 2159
• Main Authors: Gratacos-Masmitja, Jordi, Luelmo-Aguilar, Jesus, Zarco-Montejo, Pedro, Botella-Estrada, Rafael, Carrizosa-Esquivel, Ana Maria, Garcia-Vivar, Maria Luz, Perez-Barrio, Silvia, Roman-Ivorra, Jose Antonio, Ruiz-Montesino, Maria Dolores, Lopez-Estebaranz, Jose Luis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cheshire Springer Healthcare 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthritis, Psoriatic - diagnosis; Arthritis, Psoriatic - therapy; Cardiology; Delphi Technique; Dermatology - methods; Endocrinology; Female; Health technology assessment; Humans; Internal Medicine; Interprofessional Relations; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Oncology; Patient Care Team - organization & administration; Patient Care Team - standards; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Review; Rheumatology; Rheumatology - methods; Surveys and Questionnaires; Psoriasis; Dermatology; Organizations; Multidisciplinary care; Rheumatology; Hospital units; Biological therapy; Consensus development; Psoriatic arthritis
• ISSN: 0741-238X; 1865-8652
• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-016-0429-z

Introduction In numerous clinical practice guidelines, emphasis is placed on the need for coordinated care of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) between rheumatologists and the objective was to develop experience-based points to consider facilitating the implementation of multidisciplinary units (Dermatology/Rheumatology) for the management of patients with PsA. Methods A scientific committee of rheumatology and dermatology experts in the management of PsA, and with experience in joint care, discussed the critical aspects of multidisciplinary PsA Units. The discussion became the basis for a Delphi survey in two rounds submitted to a panel of 24 specialists in rheumatology and dermatology not involved in PsA units. The statements and practices that reached a consensus were summarized and further elaborated. Results After two Delphi rounds, agreement was reached for 49 of the 50 proposed statements. These included a justification of the units, objectives, and utilities, as well as operational aspects of the units, such as the minimal and ideal premises, referral criteria, and necessary resources. The statements were compiled in 11 points to consider. Conclusions This consensus offers some points to consider, including premises and recommendations, for the development of specialized Units in the management of PsA based on expert opinion. We trust these guidelines may facilitate their implementation in the future. Funding Pfizer.