Age-based treatment differences in and reluctance to treating older adults with systemic antipsoriatic therapy – a mixed-method pilot study

Background Evidence-based guidance in older adults (≥65 years) with psoriasis is sparse and undertreatment might be present. Objectives To assess prescribing patterns, comfort levels, barriers and needs of dermatologists when treating older adults with systemic antipsoriatic therapy. Methods A mixed-methods design was used including a survey among all Dutch dermatologists and residents, followed by semi-structured interviews. Results Most of the survey respondents applied systemic treatment to the same extent in older versus younger patients (n = 49; 67.1%) and weren’t reluctant prescribing systemic therapy (n = 50; 68.5%) in older adults. However, 26% (n = 19) of the respondents treated older adults less often with systemic therapy compared to younger patients and 68.1% (n = 49) performed additional actions in older adults, e.g. intensified monitoring or dose reduction. Based on the survey and interviews (n = 10), the main reasons for these age-based treatment differences were comorbidity, comedication, and fear of adverse events. More evidence-based guidance, education, and time to assess older adults were identified as most important needs, especially regarding frailty screening. Conclusions Age-based treatment differences in and reluctance to treating older adults with systemic antipsoriatic therapy were common. There is a need for more evidence-based guidance, education, and consultation time, to improve treatment in this growing population