| Project Manager | Michael Hindelang |
| Project Start | Q2/2022 |
Evaluation of DIGItal solutions to optimize care for patients with Chronic URticaria (DIGI-CUR)
Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disease that not only affects the quality of life in the short term by causing itching, angioedema and wheals, but also has long-term psychosocial consequences due to its repeated occurrence. Thanks to the availability of new therapeutic options that have been approved in recent years, CU can be treated more effectively. In addition to antihistamines, biologics are playing an increasingly important role in modern medicine. With effective medications, many individuals with CU can be treated, with the disease in many cases being considered "controlled". As with many diseases, however, not all affected individuals can be reached. Because of the often short and intense course of symptom exacerbations, symptoms frequently subside by the time the patient sees a physician. The exacerbations can nevertheless contribute significantly to the psychosocial suffering and daily burden of those affected. Patients may therefore perceive modern medicine as helpless in treating them and may avoid seeing a doctor the next time an exacerbation occurs. This can contribute to a larger proportion of patients with CU not seeking medical treatment. To counteract this problem, digital care concepts offer enormous potential. Both store-and-forward technologies (e.g., chat, image sending, location- and time-independent evaluation) and direct online contacts (e.g., video consultation, online telephony) can be used and integrated early in the patient journey. In addition to efficient care, which is characterized above all by efficient communication and appointment scheduling when needed, the time saved by patients and physicians is another factor in favor of evaluating digital care concepts. Patient willingness to use digital media and to trust digital approaches like artificial intelligence is growing. Considering these points, digital care is a viable option for patients with CU. As there are currently no disease-specific and tailored digital care options for patients with CU yet, the aim of this research project is to lay the groundwork for such a digital concept.