2012 Grant Awards

The posters and papers listed below each grant arise from work facilitated through the grant funding.

Inflammatory Arthritis and Psoriasis – Developing a Co-management Strategy

Principal Investigator: Chandran, V (PDF) 
Co-investigators: Pullman, D; Etchegary, H; Siddha, S; Gladman, D; Rosen, C

Project Summary

The objective of this study was to assess the current system of referral by Canadian dermatologists of patients who may have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to rheumatologists.  We hypothesized that knowledge level, attitude and confidence in being able to refer appropriately has an impact on the ability of dermatologists to appropriately refer patients who may have PsA to a rheumatologist.  We also wanted to define their current level of awareness of, and practices relating to, the diagnosis and referral of PsA. Our study employed a mixed method approach using interviews, surveys and focus groups. 

This qualitative study showed that dermatologists have high self-perceived knowledge of psoriasis, PsA and its associated comorbidities, and recognize the importance of identifying PsA early. However, the nature of the local healthcare context and access to rheumatologists are significant road blocks to appropriate referral.

Poster Presentations

Presented at the 2015 Canadian Rheumatology Association meeting.

• Road Blocks Perceived by Canadian Dermatologists for Referring Patients with Suspected Psoriatic Arthritis (PDF) 

Presented at the 2016 Canadian Rheumatology Association meeting.

• Evaluating the patient’s experience of the diagnosis and management of psoriatic disease. (PDF)