Assessing Patient Confidence in Biologic Medications

In dermatology, biologic medications are used to treat conditions such as moderate-to-severe
psoriasis. These medications generally function to decrease inflammation or disrupt the
inflammatory cycle. Examples of biologic medications commonly used in dermatology include
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), blockers/inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab,
certolizumab pegol, golimumab), interleukin 12/23 blockers (ustekinumab) and interleukin 17A
blockers (secukinumab, ixekizumab).

Due to biologic medication's efficacy and safety profiles, they have revolutionized
dermatology and the general medical field. However, patients may be apprehensive about
choosing a biologic medication for a variety of reasons. These include hearing negative
information about the drug from friends or family, being nervous about injection, or seeing
the drug or its side effects negatively portrayed in the media. Many patients are not aware
that clinical trial evidence for biologics exist, and instead may rely on anecdotal evidence
in choosing to take these medications.

Because fear of the drug is inherently subjective, it can be modified with appropriate
reassurance and presentation of evidence. Physicians must be able to ascertain from where the
fear originates and how it can be countered. By understanding what kind of information will
allow patients to be confident in their decision to take a biologic, dermatologists can
improve outcomes and initiate use of this drug. Furthermore, reducing fear of side effects or
adverse events may improve adherence to treatment and may improve treatment outcomes. The
investigators propose this study with the goal of learning whether patients are more
confident in the potential success of biologic medications in treating their psoriasis after
being presented with clinical trial evidence, anecdotal evidence, or both.