23 Mar 2011
WHEN Mr Randall Tan first experienced it in 2004, he dismissed it as a sports injury.
Three months later, the swelling in his joints was diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. Now, the 37-year-old actor-cum-host has to monitor his own condition regularly.
For the past two months, he has done just that – with the help of his iPhone.
The Singapore Health Services and Singapore General Hospital (SGH), in collaboration with the Integrated Health Information Systems, yesterday launched a smartphone application for patients suffering from RA.
The app, which has been on a pilot programme with 40 patients and caregivers for the last two months, is the first of its kind here. It is free.
RA is a chronic disease, characterised by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.
It affects three times more women than men, and can lead to inflammation of the joints, damaging them, and may even shorten one's lifespan.
The app, which can be accessed on both smartphones and computers, aims to facilitate patient-doctor communication during medical consultations. It is customised for the iPhone and iPad, and is currently available only in English.
Through the app, patients answer a questionnaire on their daily activities, pain and general health, enabling them to track pain levels. They can also note down side-effects of medication.
Associate Professor Julian Thumboo, head of the department of rheumatology and immunology at SGH, said: "We hope this app can empower our patients to be more actively involved in managing their condition." He added that it would be a valuable supplementary tool.
It also facilitates consultations. On average, a patient whose condition is stable has to go for a check-up once every three months.
About 45,000 people in Singapore suffer from RA. The disease can strike during the teenage years, but the range for its onset is usually 40 to 50 years.
Mr Tan said the app is helpful. He said: "It gives me a chance to actually record and helps me remember, like a diary."
The app can be accessed at https://mobilecare.sgh.com.sg
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