Walk and Talk: Connecting People With Psoriasis

The main aim of this study is to determine the acceptability, representativeness (e.g. age, sex, ethnicity and body mass index) and ideal format of a Walk and Talk intervention for people with psoriasis. Secondary aims are determining outcome measures of the intervention (patient related outcome measures, social connectedness, physical activity, cardiovascular risk) Other objectives are to determine relevant outcome measures and sample size needed to statistically evaluate a future, larger study. There have been no similar studies evaluating social interventions in people with psoriasis, so an exploratory study is needed to calculate how many people are needed to participate. Measures will include social connectedness (loneliness), physical activity, cardiovascular risk, psychological wellbeing, quality of life and psoriasis severity. Psoriasis is a systemic disease with multiple co-existent health issues. People with psoriasis are more socially isolated and inactive than the general population. The health implications of social isolation are now recognised and thought to be equivalent to smoking. Consequently social prescribing is increasingly used for people living with long-term conditions. Specifically group walking activities are effective at increasing physical activity and improving mood. Additionally, disease specific walking groups provide peer psychosocial support. It seems likely that a group walking intervention for people with psoriasis could promote social connectedness, increase physical activity and provide peer psychosocial support. However, as people with psoriasis avoid social contact, have low levels of physical activity and difficulty in discussing feelings, it is possible a Walk and Talk activity may not be taken up by many, or only by specific sub-groups such as young, slim, white people. Hence the need for an exploratory study before committing to a larger adequately powered study. Ultimately the investigators anticipate a format for Walk and Talk groups that is specifically tailored for people with psoriasis may enable groups to be rolled out at centres nationwide