In this episode of Medscape’s InDiscussion on psoriasis, Dr. Steven Feldman speaks with Dr. Alexis Ogdie, Director of the Penn Psoriatic Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis Program and the Penn Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, about digital assessment tools for psoriatic disease. Dr. Ogdie discusses the development and validation of the Psorcast app, a mobile tool that remotely captures data on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The app enables patients to draw and photograph skin lesions, assess joint involvement, and perform functional tests like walking and wrist mobility—all using just their smartphones.
They explore how digital tools can fill gaps between clinic visits, support real-time disease tracking, and empower patients to better understand and manage their health. Dr. Ogdie emphasizes that while these tools are primarily designed for research, they may eventually support clinical decision-making and early detection of psoriatic arthritis. The conversation also highlights broader uses of AI in rheumatology, challenges with missing data, and ethical concerns around privacy and prediction. Dr. Feldman and Dr. Ogdie agree that digital tools won’t replace physicians, but can enhance care by increasing efficiency and self-management. The episode concludes with optimism about the future role of technology in chronic disease monitoring and personalized medicine.