Abstract
Background: Teledermatology has the potential to help deliver health care by transforming the relationship between patients and health care professionals (HCPs), shifting the power of consultation so that patients can become more informed, assertive, and involved in their care. Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising and reliable tool for the long-term management of patients with psoriasis on systemic treatment. In an attempt to facilitate a more patient-centered approach in clinical practice, we designed and developed an mHealth solution to support patients with self-management and empowerment. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients and health care professionals of using an mHealth solution that was developed using a participatory design approach. Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with patients and focus group interviews with HCPs. Results: All participants found it easy to use the mHealth solution, and the patients found it convenient. Patients’ reflexivity was improved because they could prepare ahead of consultations. Video consultations provided patients with a degree of freedom in their everyday lives, with not having to attend in-person visits. Among the HCPs, there were concerns regarding their medical responsibilities, as they could not assess the patients’ skin as they used to. The mHealth solution required new workflows and procedures that were not part of the existing consultation routines. Conclusions: The mHealth solution can strengthen the relationship between HCPs and patients and facilitate patients to become more active in their care. Alignment and structure in relation to the selection of eligible patient candidates for being offered the mHealth solution could reduce social health inequalities. In addition, video consultations changed HCPs’ work practice, necessitating new types of skills to communicate with patients.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Artikelnummer | e28882 |
| Tidsskrift | JMIR Dermatology |
| Vol/bind | 4 |
| Udgave nummer | 1 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 1 jan. 2021 |
Bibliografisk note
Funding Information:SF has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Arcutis, Dermavant, Galderma, GSK/Stiefel, Almirall, Alvotech, Leo Pharma, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mylan, Celgene, Pfizer, Ortho Dermatology, Abbvie, Samsung, Janssen, Lilly, Menlo, Helsinn, Arena, Forte, Merck, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi, Novan, Qurient, National Biological Corporation, Caremark, Advance Medical, Sun Pharma, Suncare Research, Informa, UpToDate and National Psoriasis Foundation. SF consults for others through Guidepoint Global, Gerson Lehrman, and other consulting organizations. SF is the founder and majority owner of DrScore. SF is founder and part owner of Causa Research, a company dedicated to enhancing patients’ adherence to treatment. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Funding Information:
The authors thank all participants in the study: the patients for testing the app and sharing their experiences and the HCPs for their engagement and commitment to the study.
Publisher Copyright:
©Bettina Trettin, Dorthe Boe Danbjørg, Flemming Andersen, Steven Feldman, Hanne Agerskov.