Treat-to-target (T2T) is a concept used in designing therapeutic strategies, with treatment modalities oriented towards achieving a well-defined, clinically relevant end-target. T2T-strategies are increasingly being studied since their introduction in diabetes. Working in this manner has many advantages over standard care. Moreover, defining a T2T-score fits very well with our Value-Based HealthCare philosophy. Measuring outcomes, after all, is important to know what constitutes value to our psoriasis patients.

Various definitions had already been published on a T2T-score in psoriasis, but for various reasons they couldn’t be readily translated to the Belgian situation. In our T2T study therefore, we aimed to define a Belgian T2T-score for moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris.

Two independent researchers developed and designed the study. The study included a literature review, discussions with the Expert Board (key opinion leaders in psoriasis), recruitment of additional experts (dermatologists with experience in biologics prescription), eDelphi survey rounds, and a patient focus group (see overview to the left).

With the Belgian T2T-score that emerged from this study, clinicians and patients can make shared decisions on treatments and goals, and timely evaluate the treatment outcomes – leading to personalized psoriasis management.