Use of a Digital Psychotherapeutic App to Reduce Symptom Burden in Dermatology Patients

Launched by NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SINGAPORE · Nov 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and urticaria (hives). Researchers want to see if using a special mobile app that provides psychological support and coping strategies can help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these chronic skin issues. The study will last for 32 weeks, during which participants will use the app to manage their symptoms better.

To join the trial, participants need to be at least 16 years old and have been diagnosed with one of the skin conditions mentioned. They should also experience a significant level of itching, rated at 4 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10. However, individuals currently experiencing serious mental health issues or unstable skin conditions won't be eligible. If you decide to take part, you'll have the opportunity to explore new tools to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with psoriasis, eczema or chronic urticaria diagnosed by a dermatologist
• • Aged 16 or older
• • Peak pruritus intensity of 4 or more on a 11-point numerical rating scale (0-10, with 10 representing worst itch)
• • Able to engage with a mobile application in the English language
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with active psychiatric symptoms (e.g. active suicidal ideation, psychosis, delusions)
• • Patients with unstable psychiatric condition, characterized by
• • o Hospital inpatient admission for a psychiatric condition or initiation of a psychotropic medication in the prior 3 months
• • Patients with unstable dermatological condition, characterized by
• • Recent flare of the skin condition within the last 2 weeks, including diagnosis of a flare by a doctor, use of systemic steroids, oral antibiotics, wet wrap rescue therapy, oral antivirals, or increase in frequency of phototherapy or dose of systemic medications for the dermatological condition within the last 2 weeks OR
• • Any of the following within 3 months
• • inpatient admission for a dermatological condition
• • Initiation of phototherapy
• • Initiation of systemic therapy (conventional immunosuppressive agent, biologics, JAK inhibitors) within the last 3 months.