Giving a voice to people living with axSpA and PsA
The International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAP) is an ambitious global research project led by ASIF.
IMAP aims to bring together thousands of patient voices to build a deeper understanding of the realities of living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). By capturing responses directly from patients across different countries, we want to understand how these conditions affect daily life, including physical health, emotional wellbeing, pain and impact on day-to-day activities.
IMAP seeks to collect data that can be used to support international advocacy, inform healthcare professionals and contribute to improving care for people living with axSpA and PsA.
Why IMAP matters
Delayed diagnosis, disease burden, pain, fatigue, mental health challenges and reduced quality of life continue to affect people living with axSpA and PsA and their families. IMAP will help provide new insights into the impact of these conditions at an international level by bringing together patient perspectives from different countries.
Patient organisations can use this evidence to advocate for earlier diagnosis and better medical care in their countries. By having robust, scientific evidence, patient associations are in a much stronger position when asking governments and healthcare systems for change.
The findings will be used by ASIF and patient associations to write research articles and present the findings at congresses. Using the evidence in this way can inform and educate healthcare professionals that are involved in the care of people living with axSpA or PsA.
This is more than just a survey. It is an opportunity to turn lived experience into evidence and evidence into action, that can support meaningful improvements in care, awareness and advocacy.
Who can take part?
The survey will launch at the end of 2026 in 21 European countries.
The study will invite adults aged 18 years or older who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with either axSpA or PsA in participating country to share their experiences.
Participants will help grow our understanding of axSpA and PsA and be part of a global voice. Together, we can work to improve the care for people living with axSpA and PsA.
Get involved
IMAP is built on collaboration. We are bringing together patients, patient organisations, researchers and healthcare experts to create evidence that can drive meaningful improvements in diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.
The survey will initially launch in Europe, but we plan to expand IMAP to other countries and regions as soon as possible. If you think people living with axSpA and PsA in your country could benefit from this evidence generation, are interested in bringing IMAP to your country or partnering with us, please get in contact.
Our Supporters
ASIF is grateful to Alfasigma, which has provided funding for the IMAP study; as such, they may contribute in a non-binding advisory capacity.
Participating Countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and UK.
