Content » Vol 100, December

Clinical Report

Towards More Shared Decision Making in Dermatology: Develop­ment of Evidence-based Decision Cards for Psoriasis and Atopic Eczema Treatments

Francisca M. Vermeulen, Gayle E. van der Kraaij, Ronald A. Tupker, Anne Bijlsma, Hans Blaauwbroek, Francine Das, Tessa Geltink, Josine S. van der Kraan, Renske Kranenburg, Dirk J. van der Veen, Kristie Venhorst, Phyllis I. Spuls
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3614

Abstract

In shared decision making (SDM) patients and physi­cians make treatment decisions together based on the best available evidence and the values and preferences of patients. SDM is very suitable for use in dermatological practice, but is infrequently applied by dermatologists. To support the application of SDM in dermatology we developed Decision Cards: 1-page overviews of possible treatment options, for use during a patient–physician consultation. Decision Cards provide answers to patients’ most frequently asked questions, based on (inter)national guidelines, Summary of Product Characteristics, relevant literature, and clinical expertise. Three evidence-based Decision Cards were developed: 1 for biologicals or apremilast in psoriasis, and 2 for atopic eczema (1 for topical, photo- or systemic therapy, and 1 for systemic therapy only). More cards for psoriasis are currently in development. Patients, dermatologists and researchers collaborated in the development of the Decision Cards. This paper shares the framework used for the development of the Decision Cards, in order to support others in the development process.

Significance

In shared decision making, patients and doctors share the best available evidence to find a treatment that best suits the patients’ values and preferences. This process improves patients’ knowledge and the likelihood of patients making decisions that are more congruent with their values, doctor–
patient communication, and satisfaction with the treatment decision/decision making process. This paper describes the development of 3 Decision Cards to support this process: one for biologicals or apremilast in psoriasis, one for topical, photo- or systemic therapy in atopic eczema, and one for systemic therapy in atopic eczema. A framework that others can use to develop Decision Cards is presented.

Supplementary content

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