title: Adherence and patient satisfaction with topical treatment in psoriasis, and the use, and organoleptic properties of such treatments: a Delphi study with an expert panel and members of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical therapy is key to the successful management of psoriasis, and patient adherence to treatment contributes to its effectiveness in the long-term.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish consensus on adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis, draw up recommendations on how adherence could be improved, and evaluate the properties of the main vehicles used.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a questionnaire on adherence to topical treatments in psoriasis and another on the properties of the main vehicles used; the 2 questionnaires were evaluated using the Delphi method by a panel of experts and members of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consensus was reached on the following statements: a) treatment adherence increases the effectiveness of topical treatments in psoriasis; b) to improve adherence, it is necessary to improve communication between patients and health care staff, provide written instructions, and simplify treatment with easy-to-use, pleasant products that are preferably applied only once a day; c) treatment satisfaction increases adherence and tends to improve the health-related quality of life of the patient. Ointment was rated the worst vehicle, while foams and solutions were rated the best. Creams and lipophilic gels were considered to be better than ointment in several respects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To improve adherence to topical regimens in psoriasis and the effectiveness of such therapy, we need to give patients more information, simplify treatment regimens, and prescribe easy-to-use products that will ensure satisfaction.
authors: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. drlpuig@gmail.com
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Puig
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Carrascosa
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Belinchón
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Fernández-Redondo
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Carretero
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Ruiz-Carrascosa
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Careaga
authors: P
authors: P
authors: de la Cueva
authors: M T
authors: MT
authors: Gárate
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Ribera
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles