A mobile-phone based teledermatology system to support self-management of patients suffering from psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases, affecting about 2% of the population world wide. Continuous clinical monitoring with periodic assessment of the state of the disease is essential for long-term therapy optimization. We present a mobile phone based telemedical compliance management system for psoriasis-patients. Using special software, patients can acquire health parameters such as their body weight, take photos of their psoriasis lesions, and report adverse effects. The data are automatically sent to a monitoring centre, where they are provided to the patient's physician via the use of a web-browser. In case of therapy relevant events, email or SMS notifications can be sent to the physician. If necessary, the physician can send feedback messages to the patient, e.g. for admitting the patient to the clinic for further examinations. The system has been implemented and functional tests have proven its functionality. Currently, the system is used in the course of a medical case series.