Member Article

New App Makes Managing Leg Ulcers Easier

The Leg Ulcer Charity has partnered with the mobile healthcare solution enterprise, Medopad, to create a new app for patients suffering with leg ulcers, and their carers, across the UK.

The app, which was launched last month at The College of Phlebology’s 1st International Veins Meeting, aims to improve how ulcers are treated and to expand knowledge of the condition. In its first phase, the app will be available for 25,000 patients, before rolling out to over 500,000 people. Medopad’s patient monitoring solutions are already used to help treat cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s, COPD and other challenging conditions. Configured closely with the Leg Ulcer Charity - a charity based in the UK which aims to empower those suffering with leg ulcers - the app lets patients monitor their leg ulcers, record any signs of improvement, and better understand which types of dressings, stockings and compressions are having a positive effect.

Internationally renowned vascular specialist and Founder of the Leg Ulcer Charity, Professor Mark Whiteley, said: “We are excited to be working with Medopad. Between us, we have developed an innovative way for patients with leg ulcers and their carers to participate in their own treatment pathways. Patients can share their medical information with any healthcare professional they wish and access advice from the Leg Ulcer Charity via the app.”

Patients can have leg ulcers for long periods of time, which makes it difficult to remember what the ulcer looks like, what treatments have been carried out and whether the condition is getting better or worse. Keeping a log of test results, monitoring pain levels and explaining previous treatment choices to nurses and doctors all add to the patient’s challenge. To simplify this, Medopad offers:

• Symptom tracking - pain levels, redness, itchiness, numbness

• Blood pressure monitoring using wearable technology

• Automated medication reminders

• Questionnaires - daily check-in, dressing type, activity levels

• A journal for recording test results, treatment progress, bandage comfort

• Photo records to track ulcer condition over time

• A ‘Learn’ section - helpful links and supporting material

Dan Vahdat, CTO of Medopad, said: “Our app will become a useful tool for patients. Helping people to self-monitor their condition lets patients feel more in control and improves the treatment of leg ulcers, as the patient has a detailed treatment record ready to share with medical professionals. Everyone benefits in the long-term, especially as the information from the initial 25,000 patients will be collected and analysed.”

For more information about The Leg Ulcer Charity visit www.legulcercharity.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George May .