Some considerations about the importance of alliance between patients and dermatologists in psoriasis

Therapeutic alliance between the patient and the physician plays a primary role in the patient-doctor relationship and has significant repercussions on the quality of care and health outcomes. This is even more important in chronic diseases in which frustration and distress are commonly complained by patients and that require continuous motivation and support. Psoriasis is particularly associated with widespread treatment dissatisfaction, high “doctor shopping” and suboptimal adherence to treatment. Such aspects may be improved by promoting patient education and implementing the patient-physician relationship. The role of therapeutic alliance in psoriasis will be briefly analyzed in this article, reviewing the most relevant and recent studies on this topic, and in particular those concerning patient-physician relationship, patient’s perception and involvement in decision-making process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Italian experiences in this context.