EUROPEAN researchers are pioneering a shift in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) care through the integration of digital tools, explainable AI, and personalized health solutions, paving the way for earlier detection and more tailored treatment strategies in complex rheumatologic conditions.
Traditionally diagnosed through physical examinations and imaging, PsA has long posed a challenge due to its multifactorial nature and variable presentation. But recent digital innovations are changing that landscape. In a new study, European scientists highlight the potential of digital rheumatology to enhance PsA diagnostics and management, anchored by tools like wearable devices, patient-reported outcomes, and AI-driven models.
At the heart of these developments is the iPROLEPSIS initiative, a European research effort focused on reimagining PsA care through a digital lens. The study underscores the growing role of explainable artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying key drivers of PsA and predicting disease risk. By incorporating environmental, lifestyle, genetic, and microbial factors into multiscale models, these systems can deliver more precise risk assessments and detect PsA earlier than ever before.
Importantly, the research confronts some of the core limitations that have slowed digital progress in rheumatology. Challenges such as incomplete electronic health record (EHR) data, indication bias, and low adoption of wearable health technologies are addressed with new frameworks that center usability, accessibility, and patient engagement.
While many digital tools have historically targeted rheumatoid arthritis, this work positions PsA-specific platforms at the forefront of a new era. The authors argue that most current solutions provide only a limited view of disease progression. By contrast, the iPROLEPSIS ecosystem offers a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of PsA’s evolution, equipping both clinicians and patients with real-time insights.
The researchers call for broader implementation of these digital health ecosystems to support personalized care, improve treatment outcomes, and strengthen the patient-physician relationship. As AI and digital therapeutics mature, this approach could serve as a model for managing other multifaceted chronic diseases across global healthcare systems.
Reference:
Hadjileontiadis LJ et al. European advances in digital rheumatology: explainable insights and personalized digital health tools for psoriatic arthritis. eClinicalMedicine. 2025;84:103243.
