Adherence to a novel home phototherapy system with integrated features.

OBJECTIVE

To measure adherence using a novel home UVB phototherapy system designed to promote adherence.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective, observational study conducted to evaluate patients' adherence to a prescribed three-times-per-week treatment protocol using a novel home phototherapy system with integrated features designed to improve adherence.

METHODS

Data was collected from 18 psoriasis patients, 27 vitiligo patients, and three atopic dermatitis patients using a novel home phototherapy system under normal use conditions. Adherence was also calculated using two alternative methods to allow for comparison between published phototherapy adherence studies.

RESULTS

The median patient adherence (N= 48) to treatment with the home phototherapy system was 80%. There were no significant differences in adherence between different ages, genders, or diseases (P>0.05). Early adherence (N=48) to the home phototherapy system was 90% and dichotomous adherence (N=32) was 71%.

CONCLUSIONS

By implementing a smartphone application and web-based portal with the home phototherapy system, patients have multiple mechanisms in place to ensure adherence.