Personalise your discussion guide

Time with your dermatologist can be limited, so it is important to come prepared. This will help to ensure you have a meaningful conversation with them at each visit.

Tips to help you prepare for your conversation
Be honest
  • Inform your dermatologist about how psoriasis impacts you with specific examples, so they can better understand your condition and find suitable management plans.
  • If your psoriasis isn’t getting better, speak up. If you’re not seeing any improvement in your condition, or you’re not completely satisfied, let your dermatologist know.
Be prepared
  • Write down your questions ahead of time, so you can address your concerns during your appointment.
  • Keep track of your symptoms and be as specific in your details as you can.
  • Know your options ahead of time. The more you’re able to discuss various aspects of the condition with your doctor, the closer you’ll come to achieving your goals.
  • Stay up to date with the research in psoriasis. Remember to use reputable sources, such as Psoriasis Australia, when doing your research.
Be empowered
  • Advocate for your health needs and work with your dermatologist to achieve your treatment goals.
  • Be open to additional help. Multiple healthcare professionals with diverse specialties may be needed for comprehensive care of your psoriasis.

Use the tool below to help guide your discussion with your dermatologist. It has been developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals to help you create a personalised discussion guide, make the most out of your appointment, and ultimately find a treatment plan that works for you.

When you complete the tool, your personalised discussion guide will be generated for you to download.

   

Set and share your goals.

What are your treatment goals? Be clear with your dermatologist about your expectations and let them know what a psoriasis-free feeling really means to you.

1. Physical treatment goals – drag the items below to rank in order of priority. Click on the 👁 button to remove a goal from your list if it isn’t a priority.

I want to reduce the number and size of my plaques
I want to reduce itchiness
I want to have less psoriasis flares
I want a treatment option that works best for someone with my medical history
I want to be able to participate in physical activities with less pain from my psoriasis
Other (your personalised guide will contain a space for you to add in details).

 

2. Quality of life goals – drag the items below to rank in order of priority. Click on the 👁 button to remove a goal from your list if it isn’t a priority.

I want to improve my confidence and self-esteem in different aspects of life
I want to have an intimate relationship and start a family
I want to miss fewer workdays and excel at my job
I want to sleep well and wake up feeling energised
I want to feel happy and not have to constantly think about my psoriasis
Other (your personalised guide will contain a space for you to add in details)

   

Reflect on psoriasis impact.

It’s important to let your dermatologist know how psoriasis impacts different aspects of your life.

   

Evaluate previous treatment options.

Treatment experiences can vary from person to person. Understanding your past treatment options can help your dermatologist determine what may work best for you.

Please rank your satisfaction with each of the types of treatment you have tried so far
(5 = worked very well, 1 = did not work).

Treatment Type
Ranking
Treatment 1
Treatment 2
Treatment 3
Treatment 4
Treatment 5

Understand your treatment.

Speaking with your dermatologist may help you to understand your treatment options. If your dermatologist recommends a medication, consider asking the following questions.

Select the questions that you would like to address during your visit

Your personalised discussion guide

Click the button below to download your personalised discussion guide and take it with you to your next dermatologist visit.

Download your discussion guide
OR

Alternatively, you can email yourself your personalised discussion guide and take it with you to your next dermatologist visit.

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