Web app based patient education in psoriasis – a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Purpose: Patients report wanting more informationabout psoriasis and clear expectations from the onsetof therapy. Dermatologists do not think patientsreceive or internalize adequate information. There isa need for further explanation of treatment regimensto increase knowledge, compliance, and patientsatisfaction. Recent advancements in web technologyhave the potential to improve these psoriasisoutcomes.
Methods: A web based application was created toeducate psoriasis patients using video, graphics,and textual information. An investigator blinded,randomized, controlled study evaluated the website’sefficacy in 50 psoriasis patients at Wake Forest BaptistHealth Dermatology. Patients were randomized intotwo groups: Group 1 received a link to the educationalweb app and a survey following their visit; Group 2received a link to the survey with no educational webapp. The survey assessed patient knowledge, selfreportedadherence to medication, and adequacy ofaddressing concerns. Twenty two patients completedthe study.
Results: Patients in the web app group scored anaverage of 11/14 on the psoriasis knowledge quiz,whereas patients in the control group scored anaverage of 9/14 for an improvement of roughly 18%(p=0.008, n=22).
Conclusion: Web app based education viaDermPatientEd.Com is an efficient way toimprove knowledge, but we did not demonstrateimprovements in self-reported medication adherenceor the ability to address concerns of psoriasis patients.