Ampersand Health, a social purpose company that provides expertise in digital therapeutics for long-term inflammatory conditions, has announced the launch of a new app to help people who are living with inflammatory arthritis.
The app, entitled My Arthritis DTx, is designed to help patients self-manage their condition and exercise their independence, through either working in conjunction with a clinical team that uses the platform or by providing a range of educational resources and courses.
Developed in collaboration with specialists from King’s College Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, the app is specifically targeted at patients with inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
When used in partnership by patients and clinical teams, My Arthritis allows for two-way communication outside of appointments, thereby ‘streamlining clinical care’ and changing the way care is provided for people living with arthritis.
Clinical trials of the technology are underway, with Dr Jonathan Marks, Consultant Rheumatologist at University Hospitals Dorset, who is implementing the My Arthritis app, saying: “We know that patients who are engaged in their own care and have a strong understanding of their condition will feel more empowered and in control of their condition, and this increases their chances of better health outcomes.
“This app will enable us to build better channels and processes for communication that can revolutionise the outpatient experience for both patients and clinical teams…using these systems will mean that time and resources can be focused on supporting patients when they need it most, creating a more efficient department. As well as creating efficiencies for health services, more consultations can be virtual which also creates savings for patients in time, expense and travel.”
There’s also an emphasis on improving mental health and patient quality of life through the app. According to Ampersand, it ‘utilises techniques’ from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and mindfulness, hoping to help patients cope with symptoms and medication adherence.
