Work

Advancing dermatology patients’ quality of life through digital health innovations: a comprehensive systematic review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Digital health interventions (DHIs) are increasingly used in dermatology to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). This systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD420250628076) synthesized 14 studies categorized into four WHO intervention types, including telemedicine, targeted client communication, personal health tracking, and client-to-client communication, and evaluated for their effects on QoL and related psychosocial outcomes. Among telemedicine studies (n = 8), six reported non inferior or superior QoL versus in person care. Targeted client communication (n = 4) showed mixed QoL effects but improved mental health and self efficacy. Personal health tracking (n = 1) did not significantly improve QoL, while client to client communication (n = 1) provided psychosocial support. Overall, DHIs may improve QoL in dermatology, but evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity, risk of bias, and short follow up. Future evaluations should prioritize standardized core outcome sets and integrate AI with in time adaptive interventions to deliver personalized psychological support, ensuring algorithmic equity from the outset.

Source: npj Digital Medicine

DOI: 10.1038/s41746-026-02891-0