Development of patient decision aids for plaque psoriasis and acne

Introduction: Despite proven benefits in other medical specialties, there is a paucity of patient decision aids (PDAs) in dermatology. The present study developed online PDAs for acne and psoriasis, incorporating iterative patient and physician feedback, in accordance with International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS). Design and Method: Content was adapted from clinical practice guidelines and primary research and formatted for an 8th grade reading level. Feedback on content and format was obtained through focus groups with 15 psoriasis patients and survey with 34 acne patients. Feedback on presentation and clinical utility of the PDAs was gathered by survey from 51 physicians in Canada and the United States. Each data collection stage informed further development. Results: Demand for decision support, and satisfaction with the PDAs was high among patients. Physicians were approving of content and expressed a strong interest in PDA use. Conclusion: Patients and physicians approve of the PDAs allow accessibility for patients and may reduce barriers to use for physicians.