PsoProtectMe: Survey on Psoriasis and COVID-19 Launched

Please take and share this short survey to help support vital research into psoriasis and COVID-19 (coronavirus).

In the video below, psoriasis experts, Professor Catherine Smith and Dr Satveer Mahil of St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London introduce PsoProtectMe – a new survey to support vital research into COVID-19 and psoriasis.

Questions answered in this video include:

1. What is PsoProtectMe, and why is it important? (0:20)
2. Who should take part in PsoProtectMe? (1:25)
3. How can people take part and what will they need to do? (2:17)
4. Can patients revisit the survey if they catch COVID-19 after completing it initially? (4:12)
5. How will participants’ data be stored and can they withdraw it if they change their mind at a later date? (5:02)

The Psoriasis Association is honoured to be collaborating once more with world leading experts on psoriasis at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London and the University of Manchester on a vital piece of research regarding psoriasis and COVID-19 (coronavirus).

PsoProtectMe is an online survey for people with psoriasis to complete, irrespective of whether you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not. 

We are asking everyone with psoriasis to complete this important online survey, or to ask a friend or family member to complete it on your behalf. The online PsoProtectMe survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete and asks about your symptoms, psoriasis treatments and any underlying health conditions you may have. If you have suffered from COVID-19, you will be asked how this has affected you and your psoriasis. If in the future you develop COVID-19 we would ask that you revisit the survey (you will be provided with a unique reference number at the end) and let us know of your experience. 

Please do complete the survey irrespective of the type or severity of psoriasis you have, whether you are currently treating your psoriasis or not.  We need all ages to complete the survey in order to build an accurate picture. 

Your information will help us understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people with psoriasis, and whether the treatments used for psoriasis increase or decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. This will help healthcare professionals make important decisions about the clinical care of people with psoriasis during the pandemic. Which is why, even if you are well and have not had any symptoms of COVID-19 we really need you to answer this survey call. It could be that your treatment is beneficial in helping protect people from COVID-19 or it could be that one type, or severity of psoriasis affects the body’s response to this virus. 

Your contribution will benefit everyone – please help by completing the PsoProtectMe survey today.

Helen McAteer, Chief Executive of the Psoriasis Association commented, “Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has been a worrying time for us all, it has again shown the strength of the psoriasis community that registries such as PsoProtect and now PsoProtectMe have been established so quickly to help further our understanding and treat people with psoriasis and COVID-19. The commitment of the teams at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology and the University of Manchester, with support from the Psoriasis Association is essential to the understanding not just of psoriasis, but all health events that may affect people living with the condition. Please do give 5-10 minutes to complete the survey – your information really is important.”

Findings

In December 2020, the first publication using PsoProtectMe data revealed new findings on shielding behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out more here.