New Technologies in Service of Dermatology Adherence

Abstract

This thesis main goal is conducting an analysis and creating a solution that focuses on incorporating Augmented reality ( AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into a digital health solution to improve the patients journey and their adherence to treatments for chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The scarcity of dermatologists worldwide and in Switzerland imposes significant challenges for the patients as well as for the dermatologist. On the other hand, the use of digital health technologies, such as mobile health, telehealth is growing rapidly, offering innovative ways to solve some burdens in the medical field. The research that aims to create a solution based on AR and AI combined with the findings that could lead to increased adherence, was based on extensive exploration of the literature but also on getting first hand data coming from the main stakeholders such as the Patients and Dermatologists. It resulted in promising findings related to medication adherence, mechanisms influencing it, and the role of technologies in the dermatology field. The Design thinking methodology including the insights from patients, dermatologist, physician, allowed to create an extensive image of the challenges encountered daily by both sides, by understanding their perspectives, needs and challenges. Those findings combined with the knowledge about AR and AI capabilities allowed to create a suitable solution, that could bridge the gap between dermatologist scarcity, the high prevalence of skin diseases worldwide leading to a better adherence and clinical care and ultimately leading to better patient treatment outcomes.