PatientConcept App: Key Characteristics, Implementation, and its Potential Benefit

• Main Authors: Michael Lang, Martin Mayr, Stefan Ringbauer, Lukas Cepek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2019-03-01
• Series: Neurology and Therapy
• Subjects: Adherence; Chronic disease; Communication; mHealth; Multiple sclerosis; Secure data management
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40120-019-0133-4
• ISSN: 2193-8253; 2193-6536

Abstract Introduction In addition to a wide range of disease-related burdens, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are challenged by long-term medication and complex disease management plans, often leading to decreased adherence. Earlier studies have indicated that patient support through intensified communication can positively impact adherence. During recent years, the use of mobile health applications has gained importance in patient communication and disease management. Objective Our objective was to describe a novel software application providing innovative features that engage patient–physician contact and to evaluate users’ acceptance. Methods A novel software application ensuring data security was developed. Various innovative modules have been implemented, enabling bidirectional communication between treating physicians and patients, supporting therapy monitoring and management, and allowing the collection of large sets of anonymous patient data. The currently conducted FASTER study will analyze the acceptance of patients and physicians using this novel application. Results PatientConcept is a free app available for download since 2016. Meanwhile, it has been successfully implemented. First preliminary results indicate high acceptance among users. The clinical benefit will have to be tested in larger patient populations. Conclusion This ID-associated application may provide a secure, feasible, and cost-optimized possibility to intensify and simplify the communication between patients and their treating physicians, thus promising an exceptional benefit to both.