Psoriatic Arthritis: Why a Patient-Centred Approach Matters
Living with psoriatic arthritis can be frustrating — not only because of the pain, stiffness, and unpredictability of symptoms, but also because the treatment journey often feels overwhelming. Some patients have told me that past consultations felt rushed, or that medication was prescribed without much discussion.
One patient shared their experience of coming to see me after being referred by their GP:
“I had seen a rheumatologist in the past but they were rather didactic in terms of medication. Dr Singh by contrast was very patient-centred. Obviously he re-took my history, arranged appropriate tests and then we had a discussion about the pros and cons of different treatment options.”
What made the difference here wasn’t just the tests or the diagnosis — it was taking the time to explain the options, weigh up risks and benefits, and decide together on the right plan. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all. For some patients, tablets are appropriate; for others, newer injectable medications may be better.
“I see him on a regular basis and he is an excellent consultant and I rate him highly — both in terms of medical knowledge and skill as well as his approach to patients.”
This story shows why patient-centred care is so important in rheumatology:
Every patient’s disease behaves differently.
Treatments need to fit with life as well as with blood tests and scans.
Feeling heard and understood makes the journey less daunting.
If you’re living with psoriatic arthritis, it’s important to know that effective treatments exist — and that your voice should always be part of the decision-making process.
Please note, these posts are for general information only and do not constitute medical advice. Dr Singh would encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional to be assessed and managed for your specific symptoms.