The mobile app makes life easier for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Many people with chronic conditions experience that it makes a big difference to get support from others who handle the same challenges. For this reason, the Elsa Science app has been developed in Sweden to connect patients who want to share their experiences, gain knowledge about their condition and take an active part in their healthcare.
Using a science-based motivation and pedagogical support system, the Elsa Science app brings together individuals, families, patient organizations, caregivers, manufacturers and researchers to enable them to learn from each other and to help patients with chronic conditions enjoy a higher quality of life.
The first chronic condition that the Elsa Science app focuses on is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation in the joints, usually in the hands, wrists and knees, leading to debilitating pain and loss of quality of life.
“Rheumatoid arthritis is a life-changing condition, and living with and managing rheumatoid arthritis on your own can be difficult in the best of times. The Elsa Science app provides patients with a platform to communicate with others who are dealing with the same challenges. It can be a huge relief to feel that you are not alone and that others may have experiences they can share, and that you may also be able to provide support, says Sofia Svanteson, co-founder and CEO of Elsa Science App.
The patient downloads the app, enters their information and follows the changes over time. They can also attend training programs within the app, for example to learn how lifestyle habits and physical activity can improve their health. Information about pain, fatigue, soreness and swelling, well-being, physical activity, weight, medications, etc. can be shared with the caregiver or the patient’s own rheumatologist or health clinic.
With the help of a tailor-made plan, Elsa guides users through their daily lives.
“The Elsa app gives me a simple overview of my well-being and how exercise and medication affect me. When I started my medication, it was very helpful to monitor my symptoms and identify that I was feeling worse the days before the injection. The pattern was clear and easy to share with my doctor, who changed my prescription to increase the frequency of my injections, which led to a more balanced health, says Thomas, an Elsa app user.
– With the help of the Elsa app, I can in a clear and simple way get an overview of the symptoms and how I am affected by them, says Johanna, Elsa app user.
The next step in the app’s development will involve supporting patients with other rheumatic diseases.
“The digital world opens up opportunities we could not have dreamed of before. The Elsa Science app strengthens the patient, which can be a good boost for the motivation to manage their condition. We see the results in the form of improved adherence to drug regimens, increased communication between the patient and his care provider, and better well-being overall, says Sofia Svanteson.
This film is one of a series to show how digital technology can be used to provide smarter healthcare. These case histories are among those to be presented at the WHO’s European Conference on Managing NCDs through Digital Solutions.