eHealth Technologies as an intervention to improve adherence to topical antipsoriatics: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Topical antipsoriatics are recommended first-line treatment of psoriasis, but rates of adherence are low. Patient support by use of electronic health (eHealth) services is suggested to improve medical adherence.

Objective: To review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing eHealth interventions designed to improve adherence to topical antipsoriatics and to review applications for smartphones (apps) incorporating the word psoriasis.

Material and methods: Literature review: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched using search terms for eHealth, psoriasis and topical antipsoriatics.

General analysis of apps: The operating systems (OS) for smartphones, iOS, Google Play, Microsoft Store, Symbian OS and Blackberry OS were searched for apps containing the word psoriasis.

Results: Literature review: Only one RCT was included, reporting on psoriasis patients’ Internet reporting their status of psoriasis over a 12-month period. The rate of adherence was measured by Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS^®). An improvement in medical adherence and reduction of severity of psoriasis were reported.

General analysis of apps: A total 184 apps contained the word psoriasis.

Conclusion: There is a critical need for high-quality RCTs testing if the ubiquitous eHealth technologies, for example, some of the numerous apps, can improve psoriasis patients’ rates of adherence to topical antipsoriatics.

Keywords:

• Psoriasis
• topical treatment
• adherence
• eHealth
• mHealth

Acknowledgements

Medical Research Library, Odense University hospital, helped in literature block search strategy and search method design. Sylvia Naiga Tiedemann helped in search on OS stores.

Disclosure statement

KEA and MTS have received a grant from Leo Pharma to conduct a clinical trial testing if an app developed and owned by Leo Pharma can improve rates of medical adherence, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02858713. FA has no conflicts of interests.

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

KEA and MTS have received a grant from Leo Pharma to conduct a clinical trial testing if an app developed and owned by Leo Pharma can improve rates of medical adherence, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02858713.