2 million Italians with chronic inflammatory diseases, the Care + app is online

Over 2 million Italians suffer from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (Imid) such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, different pathologies, in areas such as rheumatology, gastroenterology and dermatology, which however share common molecular mechanisms and can often occur in association. A common denominator that also affects many aspects of the daily management of the disease, starting with the lifestyle. And it is precisely to the many aspects of the daily life of patients and caregivers that Care +, the new application in Italian, designed and developed by Biogen, with the patronage of Amici Onlus (National Association for Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases), Apmarr ( National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases) and Apiafco (Italian Psoriatic Association Friends of the Corazza Foundation), available from today for free download for Android and iOS. All information on the new app is also available at the link www.careplusapp.it. “As an association committed for years alongside those living with rheumatological diseases, we have immediately supported the birth of this new digital tool – comments Antonella Celano, president of Apmarr – The different sections of Care + offer practical features and useful advice to make people more independent in their daily lives, with an increasingly active and conscious role in the management of chronic diseases, for which lifestyle and adherence to therapies often play a key role in the success of the treatment process “. Divided into 4 sections – Information on the pathology, Health monitoring, Useful tools and Wellness beyond the pathology – Care + is an easy to consult and use tool that wants to contribute to a concrete improvement of the lifestyle. The application is dedicated to the many people with rheumatological, dermatological and gastroenterological immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa. “An application like Care + can concretely respond to the needs that patients experience every day in terms of daily management of the disease: from remembering to take treatments to following a healthy diet and a correct lifestyle, up to keeping informed and aware on his own illness – comments Giuseppe Coppolino, president of Amici Onlus – The pandemic has shown us how much technology at the service of medicine can contribute to improving and simplifying the management of complex diseases, such as chronic diseases and services like this in many cases. in the direction of a more digital and patient-friendly healthcare. It is an example of patient empowerment and engagement. It will be important in the future to ensure constant updates of the contents and services offered by the app, to consolidate this tool as a valid support for patients and their families “. Valeria Corazza, president of Apiafco agrees, adding:” We are fe happy to be part of an innovative project that for the first time goes beyond the boundaries of different medical areas and makes information and practical indications on the disease and its management available to a large group of patients with immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. In many cases these diseases occur together and it can be of great help for patients and their families to have a tool available on their smartphone or tablet that brings together information and practical advice to manage different diseases, highlighting their similarities “. By registering for free on the app, it will be possible to access all the contents: from information on pathologies divided into 3 medical areas (rheumatology, gastroenterology and dermatology) to the section for health monitoring, where it is possible through evaluation scales and self-measurement of the state to monitor the evolution of symptoms, a reminder of medical appointments, as well as practical, targeted and regularly updated suggestions for nutrition, physical activity and many other important areas related to lifestyle. A useful tool also for those , such as family, friends or colleagues, who are close to those living with a pathology immune-mediated inflammatory. “The development of Care + confirms Biogen’s commitment to support patients to meet their needs beyond therapies and offer concrete support in the management of their daily lives – says Giuseppe Banfi, CEO of Biogen Italia – Our long experience alongside those who face complex chronic diseases has shown us how much information and attention to the many multiple aspects that make up everyday life is fundamental for the success of the treatment process. Today digital technologies offer the great opportunity to be even closer to patients in their life path and I hope that the Care + app can be a valid tool for the many people who face complex chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and many others every day “.