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Connected Health May Match In-Person AD Care
A randomized clinical trial found that a team-based connected health model achieved equivalent improvements in atopic dermatitis severity and symptoms compared with conventional in-person care over 12 months.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a team-based connected health model for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) compared to conventional in-person care.
Approach:
Study Design: A pragmatic randomized clinical equivalence trial involving 300 pediatric and adult patients with physician-diagnosed AD from 8 outpatient dermatology clinics in California.
Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either asynchronous online care through a connected health platform or conventional in-person care.
Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was change in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) over 12 months; secondary outcomes included Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) and validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA).
Key Findings:
The connected health model met prespecified criteria for equivalence on the primary outcome (EASI).
Improvements in POEM and vIGA also met predefined criteria for equivalence.
Safety outcomes were comparable between both groups, with no deaths reported.
Patients in the connected health model had significantly lower in-person specialty care visits.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Baseline disease severity was relatively low, potentially limiting generalizability.
Participation required internet access and digital literacy, which may not be available in all populations.
Part of the study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly affecting telemedicine usage.
The sunscreen ingredient, which has been marketed internationally for years, is considered generally recognized as safe and effective for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older.
