Novel methods of measuring clinical outcomes from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinical trials

Numerous instruments exist that measure the clinical and health related quality of life impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in clinical trials. However, many of these instruments are not typically used in economic evaluations to inform decision problems facing health care decision makers. This study reviews the current state of psoriasis and PsA health outcome measures and evaluates their limitations in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). We highlight the health related quality of life and clinical outcome measures that are typically used in CEAs, with special focus on studies with quality adjusted life years as a primary outcome measure. Despite the high prevalence of psoriasis and PsA health outcome measures in clinical trials, only a few are used in CEAs. The methods by which utilities are estimated from these measures vary across cost-effectiveness studies. These differences should be considered when conducting cost-effectiveness research in psoriasis and PsA.