PsorCARE Program by LEO Pharma Asia Focuses on Treatment Adherence to Improve Psoriasis Treatment Outcomes

SINGAPORE, Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Psoriasis is a little-understood skin condition that carries a strong social stigma through its emotional impact on sufferers that can far outweigh the disease's physical impact. That is why proper support and guidance from healthcare providers is crucial in achieving optimal treatment adherence, one of the main challenges in psoriasis management.

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LEO Pharma, the global leader in dermatology care, announced the launch of the PsorCARE program in Asia, starting with Singapore, on 26 January 2013. The first-of-its-kind initiative in the region, PsorCARE, which stands for "Psoriasis Coach All-Round Education", will kick off on 26 January, 2013. Developed by LEO Pharma Asia and PsorAsia, PsorCARE's goal is to enhance the counseling skills of healthcare practitioners for optimal patient-healthcare provider relationship leading to better treatment outcomes for those who suffer from the skin condition Psoriasis.

"LEO Pharma is committed to bringing this program to Asia because we are aware of the challenges that patients with Psoriasis face in their everyday lives. We want patients with Psoriasis to know that trained support is available and that it is possible for them to live life as normally as possible. Our ultimate aim is to give these patients hope and help improve the quality of their lives," said Mr. Ng Choon-Peng, Chief Executive Officer of LEO Pharma Asia Pte Ltd.

Psoriasis - the disease

Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 40,000 Singaporeans[1], and up to three in every hundred people globally[2]. It is also one of the top ten most common skin diseases in Singapore[3], but is little understood amongst the general public, earning it a social stigma for its highly visible effects on human skin, such as thick, silvery scales and pink raised skin. Hence, Psoriasis also exerts a psychological toll on patients, with a 44 percent increased risk of suicide, a 39 percent increased risk of depression, and a 31 percent increased risk of anxiety. Patients with severe psoriasis have a 72 percent increased risk of depression[4].

The need for the PsorCARE program

Many patients require a deeper and better understanding of the disease and the treatment options, which can be achieved with improved access to information through healthcare professionals. With professional counseling readily available, patients have the necessary support to better able to manage both the physical and psychological toll from living with Psoriasis.

For patients who require long-term therapy for Psoriasis, treatment adherence - whether it be medicinal, behavioral, lifestyle or a combination of treatments - is essential for achieving optimal outcomes. Extensive market research has identified that adherence is founded on good communication and a positive relationship between the patient and healthcare practitioners. This applies in particular to nurses who are in regular contact with patients[5].

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PsorCARE Program by LEO Pharma Asia Focuses on Treatment Adherence to Improve Psoriasis Treatment Outcomes