In this HCPLive RX Review Special Report, Mona Shahriari, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, sits down with David Hartigan, a biologic coordinator with Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology, to discuss patient counseling strategies and the importance of empathy when introducing new therapies such as topical roflumilast.
In this clip, Hartigan highlights the unique role biologic coordinators play in patient education, often fielding extended conversations that reinforce provider messaging and address individual concerns about new treatments.
The discussion centers on counseling patients who are hesitant to start roflumilast due to its recent approval or skepticism from past topical treatment failures. Hartigan emphasizes that trust-building, concise communication, and reinforcing key differentiators, such as roflumilast's non-steroidal profile and favorable tolerability, are critical for improving patient acceptance and adherence. He notes that patients often ask whether the product will be effective after previous disappointments and express concerns over out-of-pocket costs.
Hartigan and Shahriari underscore that consistent messaging across the care team and validating the patient experience through empathy are essential. By acknowledging patient frustrations, reaffirming shared goals, and providing practical context around therapeutic decisions, coordinators can help ensure smoother transitions to new treatments and support long-term disease management in chronic plaque PsO.
Editor's note: The FDA approved Arcutis Biotherapeutics's roflumilast under the name Zoryve as the first foam option available for scalp psoriasis in May 2025.
Our Panelists:
Mona Shahriari, MD, is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, the Associate Director of Clinical Trials at CCD Research and a senior editor for the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis. She also hosts HCPLive's podcast, The Medical Sisterhood.
David Hartigan, is a biologic coordinator for Optima Dermatology and the Education Chair for Biologic Coordinators of Dermatology.
Relevant disclosures for Shahriari include AbbVie, Dermira, Cara, Dermavant, Novartis, Union, BMS, Leo, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Regeneron, UCB, and others. Hartigan reports no relevant disclosures.
REFERENCE
