OBJECTIVES: To explore the patients' journey and evaluate the humanistic and economic burden of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Greece.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among PsA patients in Greece, members of the "Reumazin" association. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, patient experience, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) questionnaire, and work productivity using Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Additionally, data on treatment, healthcare utilization, and economic burden over the past year were collected.

RESULTS: The survey included 148 PsA patients. The median (Q1–Q3) time from symptom onset to PsA diagnosis was 12.8 (6.0 – 18.5) months. Common initial symptoms were skin rash/psoriasis (77%) and joint pain (45%). Dermatologists were the first consulted specialists for 42% of patients. Misdiagnosis was reported by 47% of patients. The median (Q1–Q3) time from PsA diagnosis to treatment initiation was 2.0 (1.0 – 3.0) months. Conventional DMARDs were the most common first treatment (22%). Regarding HRQoL, the median (Q1–Q3) PsAQoL score was 9.0 (4.0 – 13.0) on a 0 – 20 scale, a higher score indicating poorer HRQoL. The mean (95% CI) annual direct healthcare (outpatient visits, hospitalizations, treatment) cost per patient was €682.4 (€594.2 – €796.9). Indirect costs due to work productivity loss were significant, resulting in a mean (95% CI) total annual cost per patient of €4,405.4 (€3,587.6 – €5,538.0). Hospitalization occurred in 5% of patients, with a median (Q1–Q3) duration of 5 (3 – 15) days.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights significant delays in diagnosis and high rates of misdiagnosis for PsA patients in Greece. Despite a median diagnostic delay of 12.8 months, patients begin treatment relatively quickly thereafter. However, the disease's impact on ΗRQoL and economic burden remains substantial, emphasizing the need for improved early diagnosis and comprehensive management strategies.