Evidence Impact on Biologics Confidence for Psoriasis

Recruiting in Winston-Salem (>99 mi)

Overseen bySteve R Feldman, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?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.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-80 with psoriasis who have never been treated with biologic medications. It aims to understand if different types of evidence can boost their confidence in using these drugs.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 80 years old.

I have been diagnosed with psoriasis.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been treated with biologic medication.

I am 18 years old or older.

Participant Groups

The study tests whether presenting patients with clinical trial evidence, anecdotal evidence, both, or no evidence affects their confidence in the success of biologic medications for treating psoriasis.

4Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Anecdotal + Research Study EvidenceActive Control1 Intervention

Scenario describes a medication's (biologic's) therapeutic effect results based on research study evidence and anecdotal evidence.

Group II: Anecdotal EvidenceActive Control1 Intervention

Scenario describes a medication's (biologic's) therapeutic effect results based on anecdotal evidence.

Group III: Research Study EvidenceActive Control1 Intervention

Scenario describes a medication's (biologic's) therapeutic effect results based on research study evidence.

Group IV: No EvidencePlacebo Group1 Intervention

Scenario describes a medication's (biologic's) therapeutic effect with no mention on anecdotal nor research study evidence.