Prepare for Your Next Appointment: The Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Discussion Guide
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects every person differently. Symptoms may come and go, flare unpredictably, or show up in places you might not expect—your joints, tendons, skin, nails, or even your energy levels. For many Canadians, communicating these complex symptoms during a short medical appointment can be challenging. That’s why the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) created the Psoriatic Arthritis Discussion Guide.
This practical tool helps you track symptoms, document challenges, and prepare questions so you can make the most of every visit with your healthcare team. Whether you are newly diagnosed or navigating long-term PsA management, the guide empowers you to advocate for your needs and support better, more coordinated care.
Why a PsA Discussion Guide Is So Important
Psoriatic arthritis can be difficult to recognize and diagnose—especially when symptoms appear gradually or mimic other conditions. Many people experience years of unexplained joint pain, fatigue, or skin changes before receiving answers. The PsA Discussion Guide was developed to help close these gaps and ensure that your full health picture is communicated clearly.
The guide helps you:
- Explain joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and mobility limitations
- Document skin and nail changes that may relate to PsA
- Track flares, fatigue, sleep issues, and overall function
- Share concerns about emotional well-being and daily life
- Prepare questions for your rheumatologist, dermatologist, or primary care provider
- Support shared decision-making around treatments and lifestyle management
For those who see multiple specialists—or wait a long time between appointments—the guide is especially valuable. It captures critical details that may otherwise be forgotten or overlooked.
What’s Inside the Guide
The guide includes easy-to-use sections designed to help you reflect on your health and communicate concerns effectively:
- Joint and symptom checklists to pinpoint affected areas
- Skin and nail assessment prompts
- Flare, pain, and fatigue tracking
- Medication, treatment, and side-effect notes
- Guided questions for your healthcare provider
- Space for personal goals, priorities, and next steps
Each section was designed with input from clinicians and individuals living with PsA to make it practical, patient-centred, and supportive during appointments.
Download the PsA Discussion Guide
Take control of your PsA journey.
Download your discussion guide and prepare for a more productive appointment.