Your questions,
answered

Shared decision making means creating a care plan that takes your preferences, circumstances and priorities into account, in partnership with your healthcare team.

Shared decision making allows for a more holistic approach to psoriasis management since it helps your healthcare team take into account the effects of psoriasis across all aspects of your life, for example:

• Your physical and mental wellbeing
• Your relationships, intimacy and social life
• The impact psoriasis has on your occupation

Often, we only tend to talk about the physical symptoms of a condition with our doctors. For example, having had a recent flare. However, how you feel emotionally and the physical symptoms of psoriasis are linked, so it is vital that you speak up and raise this with your healthcare team.

Living with psoriasis may feel like it affects your ability to study, work, or pursue certain career paths, as well as impacting relationships, your social life and enjoyment of everyday activities. You are not alone, and it is important to address these feelings proactively.

You do not have to be involved in decisions about your care if you do not feel comfortable to do so. However, most people find benefit in playing an active role, no matter how big or small. Some people will want to understand the different treatment options available with the associated risks and benefits to make an informed choice in partnership with their healthcare team. Others may take more time to make sure their healthcare team are aware of their priorities when it comes to what they want to get out of their treatment but choose not to be involved in the decision any further than that.

It is worth remembering, while healthcare professionals are the experts when it comes to medical evidence, you, as a woman living with psoriasis, are the expert on what matters most to you and you are entitled to be involved in the choices about your care.