The exercise-app Axia for axial spondyloarthritis enhances the home-based exercise frequency in axial spondyloarthritis patients - A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) benefit from regular home-based exercise (HbE). In spite of recommendations, a relevant proportion of German axSpA patients does not adhere to recommended HbE practices. To enhance HbE care, we developed the novel digital therapeutic (DTx) "Axia" compliant with the European medical device regulation (MDR). Axia offers a modern app-based HbE solution with patient educative content and further integrated features. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess Axia's efficacy, attractiveness, and functionality through a survey among axSpA-patients involved in the first user tests. METHODS: A mixed-method online questionnaire with 38 items was administered to 37 axSpA volunteers after using Axia. Numeric rating scales (NRS) and likelihood scales were primarily used. RESULTS: HbE frequency significantly increased from a median of 1 day/week to 6 days/week (p < 0.001) by using Axia. Existing HbE practitioners also increased their frequency (median of 4 days/week before, 6 days/week with Axia, p < 0.05). Axia received a median rating of 5 out of 5 stars. On NRS scales, Axia scored a median of 9 for intuitiveness and design, and a median of 8 for entertainment. 64.9% reported improved range of motion, 43.2% reported reduced pain, and 93.6% enhanced disease-specific knowledge. All users recommended Axia to other patients. CONCLUSION: Axia increases axSpA patients HbE frequency, possibly due to its good intuitiveness and design, leading to reduction in pain and subjective improvement of range of motion. This warrants further investigation in large randomized controlled interventional trials to establish its efficacy conclusively and patients adherence to HbE.

Automated Machine Learning Analysis of Patients With Chronic Skin Disease Using a Medical Smartphone App: Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Rapid digitalization in health care has led to the adoption of digital technologies; however, limited trust in internet-based health decisions and the need for technical personnel hinder the use of smartphones and machine learning applications. To address this, automated machine learning (AutoML) is a promising tool that can empower health care professionals to enhance the effectiveness of mobile health apps. OBJECTIVE: We used AutoML to analyze data from clinical studies involving patients with chronic hand and/or foot eczema or psoriasis vulgaris who used a smartphone monitoring app. The analysis focused on itching, pain, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) development, and app use. METHODS: After extensive data set preparation, which consisted of combining 3 primary data sets by extracting common features and by computing new features, a new pseudonymized secondary data set with a total of 368 patients was created. Next, multiple machine learning classification models were built during AutoML processing, with the most accurate models ultimately selected for further data set analysis. RESULTS: Itching development for 6 months was accurately modeled using the light gradient boosted trees classifier model (log loss: 0.9302 for validation, 1.0193 for cross-validation, and 0.9167 for holdout). Pain development for 6 months was assessed using the random forest classifier model (log loss: 1.1799 for validation, 1.1561 for cross-validation, and 1.0976 for holdout). Then, the random forest classifier model (log loss: 1.3670 for validation, 1.4354 for cross-validation, and 1.3974 for holdout) was used again to estimate the DLQI development for 6 months. Finally, app use was analyzed using an elastic net blender model (area under the curve: 0.6567 for validation, 0.6207 for cross-validation, and 0.7232 for holdout). Influential feature correlations were identified, including BMI, age, disease activity, DLQI, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety scores at follow-up. App use increased with BMI >35, was less common in patients aged >47 years and those aged 23 to 31 years, and was more common in those with higher disease activity. A Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety score >8 had a slightly positive effect on app use. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between data characteristics and targeted outcomes in patients with chronic eczema or psoriasis, highlighting the potential of smartphone and AutoML techniques in improving chronic disease management and patient care.

Sex Differences in Adults with Insect Venom Allergy regarding Psychological Distress, Attitudes toward the Emergency Medication, and Factual Knowledge about the Disease.

BACKGROUND: Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) has a prevalence of 3% in adults. Although patients have no ongoing symptoms, they often suffer from an impairment of their psychological well-being and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze sex-specific differences regarding the psychological burden caused by this allergy and handling of the emergency medication. METHOD: Study participants filled out a questionnaire including sociodemographic and disease-specific characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS), and theoretical knowledge about the emergency medication set (EMS). Additionally, an objective structured clinical examination was used to assess practical knowledge and handling of the EMS. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included (55.4% females). Female patients showed higher subjective anxiety levels due to HVA compared to men (mean 7.2 vs. 4.6, p = 0.0003). Furthermore, the HADS revealed that women had a significant higher anxiety level, especially after Mueller grade I-II anaphylactic reactions (mean 6.3 vs. 2.8, p = 0.0134). This was associated with a higher theoretical but not practical knowledge about their disease. On the other hand, males were less inclined to carry the emergency medication "always" or "almost always" (56 vs. 87.1%, p = 0.0015) but showed higher self-assurance in using it (mean 7.3 vs. 6.1, p = 0.0446). CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study provides evidence for sex differences in coping with HVA. The results suggest that females should be monitored more closely for allergy-associated anxiety symptoms, while men need more encouragement to carry the emergency medication.

Macrophage activation in human diseases.

It is becoming increasingly accepted that macrophages play a crucial role in many diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, cancer, skin diseases, and even neurodegenerative diseases. It is therefore not surprising that macrophages in human diseases have gained significant interest during the last years. Molecular analysis combined with more sophisticated murine disease models and the application of genome-wide technologies has resulted in a much better understanding of the role of macrophages in human disease. We highlight important gain of knowledge during the last years for tumor-associated macrophages, and for macrophages in atherosclerosis, obesity and wound healing. Albeit these exciting findings certainly pave the way to novel diagnostics and therapeutics, several hurdles still need to be overcome. We propose a general outline for future research and development in disease-related macrophage biology based on integrating (1) genome-wide technologies, (2) direct human sampling, and (3) a dedicated use of in vivo model systems.

Analyzing the value of an educational program for psoriasis patients: a prospective controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a reduced life-quality. Severe disease forms put the patients at risk for life-treating cardiovascular events, metabolic, and other immune-mediated disorders. Psoriasis patients are often not sufficiently informed about their condition leading to suboptimal treatment adherence and, consequently, worse patient outcome. We investigated the value of an educational program on knowledge and self-expertise about the disease in psoriasis patients in general and dependent on age and disease duration. METHODS: Regular visit psoriasis-patients were asked to participate and choose to receive an additional educational program or not. Participating patients (n = 53) filled out two questionnaires: one at study inclusion and one at the next regular visit or after the absolved educational program. Surveys included disease knowledge assessment and numeric rating scales (0-10) for self-expertise about the disease, therapy adherence, and therapy satisfaction. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to investigate the quality of life. All continuous parameters were examined for statistically significant differences by paired t-test or unpaired t-test. Continuous parameters without Gaussian distribution were analyzed with the Wilcoxon matched pairs test or the Mann-Whitney test. For all categorical parameters, Fisher's exact test was used. RESULTS: Patients who chose to be educated (n = 24) showed a significant increase in knowledge, self-expertise about the disease and amelioration of general health. No positive short-term effects were seen on the quality of life and therapy adherence. Analyzing the effect of age and disease duration, the educational program led to significant improvement of the emotional well-being in older patients (≥50 years) and with a longer disease duration as well as significant amelioration of the self-expertise about psoriasis in younger patients (< 50 years). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who chose to participate in an educational program show a higher gain in knowledge and self-expertise about the psoriatic disease. Educational program thus might have a positive effect on the long-term management of psoriasis. Further long-term studies are needed to provide evidence for the influence educational programs have on outcome, quality of life, and treatment adherence of psoriatic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00017318 (09.10.2019), retrospectively registered.

Drug survival and reasons for drug discontinuation in palmoplantar pustulosis: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease-related to psoriasis. Its treatment is challenging, and little is known about the sustainability of different medications. The aim of this study was to analyze drug survival rates and drug discontinuation in the treatment of PPP under real-world conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with PPP treated in the dermatology departments of five German university medical centers between 01/2005 and 08/2017 were included in our retrospective study. Drug survival of systemic therapies was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Overall, 347 patients with 935 treatment courses were identified. Within the group of non-biologic systemic agents, apremilast showed the highest median drug survival (15 months), followed by cyclosporine (12 months), the combination of acitretin and topical PUVA (9 months), MTX (8 months), acitretin monotherapy (6 months), alitretinoin (5 months), and fumaric acid esters (3 months). Among biologicals, the highest maintenance rate was detected for certolizumab pegol (restricted mean: 47.4 months), followed by infliximab (median: 26 months), golimumab (22 months), ustekinumab (21 months), adalimumab (18 months), secukinumab (9 months), and etanercept (8 months). CONCLUSIONS: Biologicals and apremilast may serve as second-line options for treatment of PPP and should be further evaluated.

Disease Burden, Psychological Well-Being and Attitudes regarding the Set of Emergency Medication in Adults with Insect Venom Allergy.

BACKGROUND: Insect venom allergy is common and greatly impairs patients' quality of life. Additionally, low compliance with carrying emergency medication is reported. The aim of our study was to analyze the disease burden, levels of anxiety and depression, and to evaluate attitudes towards the set of emergency medication in affected patients. METHODS: Between April 2016 and January 2017, patients ≥18 years visiting our department because of an insect venom allergy were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed willingness to pay (WTP), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), subjective anxiety levels, willingness to carry the set of emergency medication, self-assurance in using it, compliance with carrying it, and reasons for not always carrying it. RESULTS: 55 patients (81.8% wasp allergy) were included. On average, WTP for a complete cure was EUR 1,727 (median: 500). Using the HADS, 14.5% showed definite anxiety disorders while 5.5% had significant depression disorders. Most patients stated to carry the emergency medication "always" (25.5%) or "almost always" (47.3%). "Forgetfulness" (36.4%) was reported as the main reason for not always carrying the medication, followed by "too big" (18.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In our patient cohort, insect venom allergy was associated with a moderate disease burden and a good compliance with carrying the emergency medication. However, several of our participants demonstrated borderline or significant anxiety and/or depression disorders. In this regard, this study highlights the necessity to regularly ask the patient about the psychological well-being to identify patients needing psychological support.

Behandlungspräferenzen für Biologika bei Psoriasis: erfahrene Patienten legen Wert auf Nachhaltigkeit.

HINTERGRUND UND ZIELE: Die Therapiezufriedenheit kann durch die Berücksichtigung von Patientenpräferenzen in der gemeinsamen Entscheidungsfindung verbessert werden. Kürzlich untersuchten wir Patientenpräferenzen für Eigenschaften von Biologika und fanden starke Präferenzen für Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit. Die vorliegende Studie hatte das Ziel, Auswirkungen von Therapieerfahrung auf diese Präferenzen zu erheben. PATIENTEN UND METHODEN: Präferenzen für Ergebnis- (Wahrscheinlichkeit einer 50%igen und 90%igen Verbesserung, Zeit bis zum Ansprechen, Nachhaltigkeit des Erfolgs, Wahrscheinlichkeit von leichten und schweren Nebenwirkungen und Wahrscheinlichkeit eines ACR-20-Ansprechens) und Prozesseigenschaften (Behandlungsort, Behandlungshäufigkeit, Zeitaufwand und Applikationsweise) wurden bei 200 Teilnehmern mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer Psoriasis mit Hilfe von Conjoint-Analyse ermittelt. Der Einfluss aktueller und früherer Therapien, der Krankheitsdauer und der Behandlungszufriedenheit auf die "Relative Importance Scores" wurde durch Varianz-analysen, Post-hoc-Tests und multivariate Regressionen bestimmt. ERGEBNISSE: Teilnehmer, die aktuell eine topische Therapie (p = 0,02) oder eine Phototherapie (p = 0,032) erhielten, hielten den Zeitaufwand der Behandlung für wichtiger als andere. Diejenigen, denen zuvor traditionelle Systemtherapien (p = 0,028) oder Biologika (p = 0,044) verordnet worden waren, legten mehr Wert auf die Nachhaltigkeit als andere. Diese Eigenschaft gewann mit steigender Anzahl zuvor verabreichter systemischer Therapien (p = 0,045) und längerer Krankheitsdauer (p = 0,018) an Bedeutung. FAZIT: Patientenpräferenzen für Biologika variieren abhängig von der Therapieerfahrung und Krankheitsdauer. Diese Aspekte sollten bei der gemeinsamen Entscheidungsfindung berücksichtigt werden.

Treatment preferences for biologicals in psoriasis: experienced patients appreciate sustainability.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Treatment satisfaction can be improved by integrating patients' preferences into shared decision-making. We recently investigated patients' preferences for attributes of biologicals, and showed high preferences for safety and efficacy. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of treatment experience on these preferences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preferences for outcome (probability of 50 % and 90 % improvement, time until response, sustainability of success, probability of mild and severe adverse events, probability of ACR 20 response) and process attributes (treatment location, frequency, duration, and delivery method) were analyzed in 200 participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis using conjoint analysis. The impact of current and previous therapies, disease duration, and treatment satisfaction on 'Relative Importance Scores' was determined by analysis of variance, post hoc tests, and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Participants presently on topical therapy (p = 0.02) or phototherapy (p = 0.032) placed more importance on treatment duration than others. Individuals who had previously been given traditional systemic agents (p = 0.028) or biologicals (p = 0.044) favored sustainability more than others. With an increasing number of systemic agents ever received (p = 0.045) and longer disease duration (p = 0.018), the latter attribute became increasingly important. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' preferences for biologicals vary in correlation with treatment experience and disease duration, aspects to be addressed in the context of shared decision-making.

Patient Preferences for Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: Importance of Cure and Cosmetic Outcome.

Treatment options for localized resectable basal cell carcinoma (BCC) include micrographically controlled surgery, simple excision, curettage, laser ablation, cryosurgery, imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, photodynamic therapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the preferences of patients with BCC for outcome (cure and recurrence rate, cosmetic outcome, risk of temporary and permanent complications) and process attributes (type of therapy, treatment location, anaesthesia, method of wound closure, duration of wound healing, out-of-pocket costs) of these treatments with conjoint analysis. Participants (n = 124) attached greatest importance to recurrence rate (relative importance score (RIS) = 17.28), followed by cosmetic outcome (RIS = 16.90) and cure rate (RIS = 15.02). Participants with BCC on the head or neck were particularly interested in cosmetic outcome. Those with a recurrence were willing to trade risk of recurrence, treatment location and duration of wound healing for a better cosmetic result. In summary, participants particularly valued cure and cosmetic outcome, although preferences varied with individual and tumour-associated characteristics.

Treatment satisfaction of patients with psoriasis.

Treatment satisfaction of patients with psoriasis largely depends on the treatment modality, but evidence on preferences for specific medications is scarce. Here we assessed treatment satisfaction of 200 participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis from a German University hospital with a 5-point scale and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) and determined sociodemographic and disease-related influence factors. Participants obtaining biologicals and traditional systemic medications were significantly more satisfied than those receiving phototherapy or topical agents (TSQM = 323.3, 288.0, 260.6 or 266.8; p < 0.001). The highest TSQM score was calculated for ustekinumab (350.1), followed by acitretin (338.1), adalimumab (323.0), fumaric acid esters (304.7), infliximab (300.2), etanercept (298.8), and methotrexate (272.3; p < 0.001). High disease-related quality of life impairment (ß = -0.437, p < 0.001) and psoriatic arthritis (ß = -0.185, p = 0.005) were associated with decreased satisfaction. Optimising satisfaction is essential to improve adherence and outcome. We show high preferences for biologicals, particularly ustekinumab, but also good satisfaction with certain traditional medications.

Differentiation and gene expression profile of tumor-associated macrophages.

Tumor microenvironment is composed of proliferating neoplastic cells, a vascular network of endothelial cells, extra cellular matrix produced by fibroblasts, cellular compartments of adaptive immunity like lymphocytes and dendritic cells as well as cells of innate immunity, e.g., natural killer cells and macrophages. Many pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrate an inversed correlation between macrophage infiltrate and patients' prognosis indicating a macrophage supporting role for tumor progression as producers of growth and angiogenic factors and as regulators of tissue remodelling. Based on in vitro models, macrophages have been classified in pro-inflammatory, classically activated macrophages (M1; stimulated by IFN-γ or LPS) and anti-inflammatory, alternatively activated macrophages (M2; stimulated by either IL-4/IL-13, IL-1ß/LPS in combination with immune complexes or by IL-10/TGFß/glucocorticoids). Tumor escape has been linked with a switch from M1 activation in the early tumor initiation process towards M2-like phenotype during tumor progression, a process that highlights the heterogeneity and plasticity of macrophage activation and which offers a possible therapeutic target directed against reversing the TAM phenotype in the tumor. Here, we review different tumor-environmental stimuli and signalling cascades involved in this switch in differentiation and the so connected gene regulation in TAMs. In addition, therapeutic applications deducted from this differentiation and gene regulatory processes are presented. Data from pre-clinical as well as clinical studies clearly support the notion, that TAMs are excellent novel therapeutic targets for the fight against cancer.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey.

Background: Healthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women. Objective: To investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and physicians in their first years of practice. Design and setting: An anonymous survey was carried out online between December 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the Mannheim Medical Faculty and the Würzburg Medical Faculty, Germany, after obtaining informed consent. Primary outcome measures were changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and changes in participants' current quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life BREF. Results: The results show wave-like courses for perceived anxiety and burden overlapping with the course of the COVID-19 incidence. In comparison to men, women showed a significant higher increase in HADS (p = 0.005) and a reduced life quality (p = 0.007) after COVID-19. Both sexes showed different frequencies of the factors influencing quality of life, with the presence of a previous mental illness and mean anxiety having a significant higher negative impact in women. Conclusion: Future and young female physicians reported a disproportionate higher burden during COVID-19 compared to their male colleges. These observations suggest an increased need for support and prevention efforts especially in this vulnerable population.

Patient-Centered Chronic Wound Care Mobile Apps: Systematic Identification, Analysis, and Assessment.

Background: The prevalence of chronic wounds is predicted to increase within the aging populations in industrialized countries. Patients experience significant distress due to pain, wound secretions, and the resulting immobilization. As the number of wounds continues to rise, their adequate care becomes increasingly costly in terms of health care resources worldwide. eHealth support systems are being increasingly integrated into patient care. However, to date, no systematic analysis of such apps for chronic wounds has been published. Objective: The aims of this study were to systematically identify and subjectively assess publicly available German- or English-language mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds, with quality assessments performed by both patients and physicians. Methods: Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic search and assessment of German- or English-language mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds that were available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store from April 2022 to May 2022. In total, 3 apps met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed independently by 10 physicians using the German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). The app with the highest mean MARS score was subsequently reviewed by 11 patients with chronic wounds using the German user version of the MARS (uMARS) and the SUS. Additionally, Affinity for Technology Interaction (ATI) scale scores were collected from both patients and physicians. Results: This study assessed mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds that were selected from a pool of 118 identified apps. Of the 73 apps available in both app stores, 10 were patient oriented. After excluding apps with advertisements or costs, 3 apps were evaluated by 10 physicians. Mean MARS scores ranged from 2.64 (SD 0.65) to 3.88 (SD 0.65) out of 5, and mean SUS scores ranged from 50.75 (SD 27) to 80.5 (SD 17.7) out of 100. WUND APP received the highest mean MARS score (mean 3.88, SD 0.65 out of 5) among physicians. Hence, it was subsequently assessed by 11 patients and achieved a similar rating (uMARS score: mean 3.89, SD 0.4 out of 5). Technical affinity, as measured with the ATI scale, was slightly lower in patients (score: mean 3.62, SD 1.35 out of 6) compared to physicians (score: mean 3.88, SD 1.03 out 6). Conclusions: The quality ratings from physicians and patients were comparable and indicated mediocre app quality. Technical affinity, as assessed by using the ATI scale, was slightly lower for patients. Adequate apps for patients with chronic wounds remain limited, emphasizing the need for improved app development to meet patient needs. The ATI scale proved valuable for assessing technical affinity among different user groups.

Using Automated Machine Learning to Predict Necessary Upcoming Therapy Changes in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis and Uncover New Influences on Disease Progression: Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are complex, multifactorial diseases significantly impacting health and quality of life. Predicting treatment response and disease progression is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions, yet challenging. Automated machine learning (AutoML) technology shows promise for rapidly creating accurate predictive models based on patient features and treatment data. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop highly accurate machine learning (ML) models using AutoML to address key clinical questions for PsV and PsA patients, including predicting therapy changes, identifying reasons for therapy changes, and factors influencing skin lesion progression or an abnormal Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score. METHODS: Clinical study data from 309 PsV and PsA patients were extensively prepared and analyzed using AutoML to build and select the most accurate predictive models for each variable of interest. RESULTS: Therapy change at 24 weeks follow-up was modeled using the extreme gradient boosted trees classifier with early stopping (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] of 0.9078 and logarithmic loss [LogLoss] of 0.3955 for the holdout partition). Key influencing factors included the initial systemic therapeutic agent, the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis score at baseline, and changes in quality of life. An average blender incorporating three models (gradient boosted trees classifier, ExtraTrees classifier, and Eureqa generalized additive model classifier) with an AUC of 0.8750 and LogLoss of 0.4603 was used to predict therapy changes for 2 hypothetical patients, highlighting the significance of these factors. Treatments such as methotrexate or specific biologicals showed a lower propensity for change. An average blender of a random forest classifier, an extreme gradient boosted trees classifier, and a Eureqa classifier (AUC of 0.9241 and LogLoss of 0.4498) was used to estimate PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) change after 24 weeks. Primary predictors included the initial PASI score, change in pruritus levels, and change in therapy. A lower initial PASI score and consistently low pruritus were associated with better outcomes. BASDAI classification at onset was analyzed using an average blender of a Eureqa generalized additive model classifier, an extreme gradient boosted trees classifier with early stopping, and a dropout additive regression trees classifier with an AUC of 0.8274 and LogLoss of 0.5037. Influential factors included initial pain, disease activity, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores for depression and anxiety. Increased pain, disease activity, and psychological distress generally led to higher BASDAI scores. CONCLUSIONS: The practical implications of these models for clinical decision-making in PsV and PsA can guide early investigation and treatment, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

[Benefits of participatory involvement of patients in the development of a dermatological treatment app-A report from the practice]. / Nutzen der partizipatorischen Mitwirkung von PatientInnen an der Entwicklung einer dermatologischen Therapie-App ­ ein Bericht aus der Praxis.

Approximately 2% of the German population suffer from psoriasis. HybridVITA has developed a mobile application (app) that enables psoriasis patients to independently document the progression of the disease and the current psychological stress at home. The HybridVITA app was created in close collaboration with user groups to ensure optimal adaptation to their needs. Two interactive workshops were held with the user groups and the technical developers of the app as a core element of the developmental process. The workshops identified the needs and suggestions for improvement of the various user groups and formulated user stories for the further development of the app using the Scrum method. The participatory approach of the workshop enabled the project team to gather valuable practical knowledge at an early stage of development. The team's awareness of potential obstacles during the early stages of the project enabled them to proactively identify and address these issues prior to implementing the app in dermatological care. We are confident that a patient-centered and participatory approach to health app development can provide valuable insights for developers.