Development of an Instrument for Patient Self-assessment in Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective: Due to the recent pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in-person scheduled rheumatology appointments in many countries have been reserved for urgent cases only. Here we report the development of a multidimensional, patient-completed disease assessment tool for use in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: A focus group development and education method was used, followed by a paired observation design to assess feasibility and validity. The Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) was used as the basis for the clinical assessments, but elements of this tool were modified during the focus group sessions.

Results: A preliminary tool assessed tender and swollen joint counts, enthesitis, dactylitis, area of skin involved by psoriasis, and scores for global disease activity, fatigue, and spinal pain. In parallel assessments, good agreement was found between subject and healthcare professional (HCP) assessors, although overall disease activity was low.

Conclusion: A self-assessment tool for disease activity in PsA has been developed in conjunction with patients, demonstrating generally good agreement between patients and HCPs; however, further validation is needed before it can be recommended for clinical practice.