Canadian Psoriasis Network

Today we are proud to release #PsoSerious2024. PsoSerious is the third update in 10 years, where we look at the status of the access to care and treatment of psoriatic disease in Canada. This report highlights what has changed in Canada relating to access to care and treatments, as well as emerging areas of focus in psoriatic disease care since the last report in 2018. We also look at the subjects of equity in research, diversity and skin of colour, comorbidities of psoriatic disease, the impacts of virtual care, expansion of allied health professionals, as well as rare forms of psoriasis and pediatric psoriasis. Download the report today! https://lnkd.in/d8ngXQSz

Tomorrow is World Psoriasis Day, and we are excited to release #PsoSerious2024, a report looking at the landscape in Canada when it comes to access to care and treatment for people living with #psoriatic disease. This report is an update to PsoSerious 2018 and we look at what has improved, what has changed and where we need to continue to improve since then. Check out the 2018 PsoSerious report and make sure you are following along so you don't miss this important launch. https://shorturl.at/5QNFR

🚨 Pay attention to your body's warning signs! If you're experiencing joint swelling, stiffness, redness, or pain - especially in the hands, feet, and knees - it could be #PsoriaticArthritis. Seek treatment early to prevent long term damage. #NationalPsADay #JointPainAwareness

Do you live with #Psoriasis and experience joint pain, swelling, or stiffness? 🦵Don't ignore the signs - early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis are crucial for a better quality of life. Take control of your health and consult with a healthcare professional today! 💪#PsoriaticArthritisAwareness #NationalPsaDay

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Ojistoh Horn will be our keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Patients Redefining the Future of Healthcare in Canada Summit! Ojistoh Kahnawahere Horn is from the Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) communities of Kahnawake and Akwesasne. For 16 years, she has worked as a family physician taking care of her people through all stages of the lifecycle. Supervising medical students and family medicine residents during their rural rotations in Akwesasne, and in her new role as the Medical Director of Clinical Care in the Department of Health in Akwesasne, she teaches the complexities of providing primary care to Indigenous peoples and their communities. Drawing on both Western and Traditional paradigms she focuses on the effects of the environment and pollution on health.Her dedication to addressing the political and economic factors impacting primary care makes her insights invaluable for shaping the future of healthcare. Date: November 19th-21st, 2024 Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and online Register now: https://bit.ly/3UKih7h #PRFHC2024 #HealthcareInnovation #IndigenousHealth

Across Canada, people continue to experience challenges in receiving a diagnosis for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Though we did not get responses from the Territories, challenges with accessing care are likely similar, potentially exacerbated by fewer specialists in these areas. Accessing treatments for psoriatic disease can also present challenges for various reasons that were not explored in detail, with the majority of survey respondents indicating challenges in British Columbia and the fewest in Quebec. Please feel free to share your experiences with accessing care and treatment wherever you live in Canada in the comments. 

In the Prairie/Central Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), people experience significant delays in receiving diagnosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, with four in ten people encountering challenges. Similar to Atlantic Canada, the sample size within the Prairies was low, and though not statistically significant, offers a general idea of the issues encountered within these provinces.

Survey participants from the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Novia Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) report delays in receiving a diagnosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Though almost 20% of people noted that they faced a challenge in receiving a diagnosis, they also report improved access to care in most aspects since the pandemic. Note that data from Atlantic Canada was collected from a small sample of survey participants. While not statistically significant, it presents an overview of the responses from these provinces.

In Quebec, over one third of survey participants reported challenges in receiving their diagnosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Survey participants from Quebec identified having less trouble accessing treatment (3%), and having prescription-related costs that are not covered by insurance (8%).

Similar to British Columbia, people in Ontario have experienced a significant delay in receiving a diagnosis for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. One quarter of survey participants waited more than 5 years for a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis since they experienced symptoms. Many also had challenges accessing treatment (16%) and have prescription-related costs that are not covered by insurance (16%).