Finalist
touch Patient Support Programme
Summary of work
In the UK, 1.2 million people live with psoriasis,1 a chronic condition often causing feelings of low self-esteem, depression and social isolation.2 40% of patients prescribed topical treatment don’t use it as prescribed.3 Research revealed a plethora of unmet needs in this patient population, so in conjunction with health psychologists, dermatologists and patients, LEO Pharma developed ‘touch’, an evidence-based support programme designed to improve adherence and health outcomes for people with psoriasis. Available to everyone with psoriasis over 18 in the UK (and friends/family) members can access the touch website and confidential helpline. They receive interventional content through multiple media channels, designed to address unhelpful beliefs about treatment and their condition, to improve adherence.
Touch works: ‘touch’ reduced by over 85% (70% target) the number of interviewees holding unhelpful health beliefs, identified in research as key predictors of non-adherence. 74% rated touch very helpful and 72% as very supportive (70% target). Launched in April 2011, 12 month enrolment objectives were achieved. Touch currently supports 8,621 members.
References:
1. Papp K et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007; 21:1151-1160
2. Kimball et al. Am J Clin Dermatol 2005; 6:383-392
3. Feldman SR, et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008; 59: 1009-1016
Judges’ comments
Based on strong research to identify patient needs, this programme worked in a highly focused way to ensure buy-in from healthcare professionals, thereby also increasing patient exposure and participation. This in turn allowed for strong outcomes versus the objectives set.
