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The world of patient care is undergoing dramatic changes, especially for patients with complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are a set of disorders characterized by abnormal immune responses in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. These conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, affect millions of people worldwide.
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has increased steadily in recent years, posing an increasing medical challenge. Factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle changes have contributed to this surge. However, what sets autoimmune diseases apart is their inherent complexity and diagnostic challenges. Many of these conditions have a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity and manifestation, making it difficult for medical professionals to accurately identify and treat them.

Patients with autoimmune diseases often need to navigate a maze of doctor appointments on their own, requiring care from multiple specialists. The average patient may see multiple physicians, including primary care physicians (PCPs), rheumatologists, endocrinologists, etc., all involved in managing different aspects of their condition. This complex web of healthcare providers requires effective coordination and communication to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for patients.
Recognizing the critical role of PCPs in the healthcare ecosystem, PCPs are often referred to as the “quarterbacks” of patient care. The PCP acts as a central point of contact and oversees the coordination of various specialists, treatments and medications. In this age of technological advancement, there is a great opportunity to leverage the use of mobile applications (apps) to enhance and support PCPs in effectively managing autoimmune conditions.
The use of apps in healthcare is growing significantly due to patient behavioral trends and the need for improved patient-centered care. Virtual care and mobile health apps are growing in popularity, offering convenience, accessibility, and the potential to enhance communication between patients and providers. Incorporating apps into the management of autoimmune diseases enables patients to take an active role in their own health while providing a valuable tool for PCPs to monitor and collaborate on treatment plans can.
Patient behavior trends in recent years indicate a major shift in the use of virtual care and mobile health apps. The convenience and accessibility offered by these digital tools are appealing to patients looking to better manage their care. Mobile apps provide a platform for patients to access health information, track symptoms, monitor medication adherence, and even communicate remotely with their healthcare providers. Being able to participate in care from the comfort of home is in line with patients’ evolving preferences and fosters a sense of empowerment and active participation in their own care.
While patients increasingly embrace the benefits of virtual care, primary care physicians (PCPs) face increasing pressure to manage the complexity of autoimmune diseases, compounded by persistent staff shortages. One of the challenges they face is lack of interoperability and data fragmentation across different healthcare providers. Patient care is often delivered in silos, with each expert having limited visibility into the treatments and interventions offered by other providers. This lack of seamless communication and data sharing hinders efficient care coordination and impairs the ability to obtain comprehensive patient-reported results to aid decision-making.
Patients are accustomed to the integration of medical apps, but the use of apps in managing autoimmune conditions goes beyond mere adoption. It should use the right apps and integrate effectively with your existing healthcare system. Autoimmune diseases present unique challenges that require specialized functionality not typically found in general health apps. The complex nature of these conditions calls for customized solutions that consider disease-specific parameters, symptom tracking, medication management and individualized care plans. Recognizing these nuances and precisely that is what my co-founders, Kwaku Owusu and I, are doing to address the needs of autoimmune patients specifically and provide a comprehensive capability and patient-centered approach. That’s why we developed ViuHealth.
Scaling app-based interventions and keeping them patient-centric may seem complex, but a multi-layered approach provides a framework for success. Patients are at the center, and technology (apps) revolves around them. Apps serve as important tools to bridge the gap between patients and providers, enabling contextualization of medical data and facilitating communication. Surrounding the patient and the app is a layer of care teams made up of clinical experts who provide a human touch to patient care. The care team provides support, context, and bridges gaps in care when a patient is unable to see her PCP or specialist. It is important to note that the care team works in addition to her PCP and specialists, providing complementary expertise and guidance. Finally, the healthcare provider layer includes her PCP, specialists, and other healthcare professionals who have a comprehensive view of a patient’s health data to make informed decisions and provide optimal care. includes a house.
This multi-tiered approach gives primary care physicians access to all relevant patient information and enables seamless collaboration with other providers involved in patient care. Streamline care coordination, improve patient outcomes and enhance holistic management of autoimmune diseases by integrating a patient-centric, team-based approach with apps designed specifically for autoimmune diseases It has immeasurable potential.
By harnessing the power of technology, prioritizing patient needs and facilitating collaboration among care team members, primary care physicians can effectively use apps to help patients manage their autoimmune conditions. increase. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the challenges facing PCPs, but also paves the way for a more holistic and personalized healthcare experience for patients.
Melanie Igwe is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of ViuHealth, responsible for overseeing business operations and partnerships. With over seven years of experience in the medical field, including her stints at her medical center in Texas and Harris Health, she also has a background as a founder of digital health startups.