Boehringer Ingelheim, partner of VIK, the application to support patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)


Paris, January 17, 2022 – Developed by the start-up Wefight with the institutional support of Boehringer Ingelheim, the Vik FPI application is the first solution designed to support and inform patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Equipped with artificial intelligence, this solution analyzes users’ questions and provides them with an answer in real time. It also offers other features allowing users to benefit from personalized support to optimize their care pathway.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): a poorly understood rare disease and patients in need of information

IPF is a rare chronic lung disease1. It would concern around 9,000 people in France, and there would be 4,400 new patients per year.1. Its symptoms, progressive and disabling, limit daily activities, such as climbing stairs or shopping and have a strong impact on the quality of life of patients. Due to its seriousness and progressive nature, the disease also has emotional repercussions. This rare and little known disease therefore raises many questions on the part of patients and their relatives with a real need to be supported and accompanied.

VIK FPI: support for patients and caregivers throughout the care pathway

VIK FPI allows patients and their relatives to be informed and find answers to their questions in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VIK FPI answers many questions around various themes: generalities around the disease, risk factors, epidemiological elements, diagnoses and examinations but also on the course of care and the different treatments. It can also provide information on the psychological aspect of the disease, daily life (nutrition, physical activity, etc.).

Beyond these questions, VIK FPI offers several features: treatment and appointment reminders or a follow-up log. “It’s a free application designed to follow the patient throughout their treatment journey; from the diagnosis of his illness, to treatment and follow-up. Vik FPI informs the patient and helps to make him an actor in his care journey. » says Soraya Hamdan, Wefight Patient Relations Manager. This tool has been developed and tested in collaboration with experts and patients.

Vik is complementary to the care provided by healthcare professionals and the support provided by patient associations.

Link to download Vik FPI: https://app.adjust.com/4s1glej

Vik FPI is available on smartphone and tablet

An innovative solution that meets the needs of IPF patients and their loved ones

In June 2020, the Boehringer Ingelheim laboratory set up a board of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These exchanges made it possible to highlight their needs. “Among them, the lack of information is an obstacle in the course of care and an obstacle to good care. A certain number of patients also face difficulties in accessing doctors (general practitioners and specialists) due in particular to travel difficulties. At the same time, the quality of life of patients and caregivers is strongly impacted on a daily basis. VIK FPI was designed to respond to these issues and support and reassure patients and their loved ones on a daily basis. » says Marc ODIC, Patient Associations Relations Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Boehringer Ingelheim: a lasting commitment to patients with pulmonary fibrosis

Particularly committed to optimizing the care of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and their support, Boehringer Ingelheim has implemented numerous projects, in collaboration with the 4 main patient associations concerned directly or indirectly by pulmonary fibrosis: APEFPI, ASF, Andar and AFPric.

These actions aim to address various issues:

  • Better understand and better listen to the needs

The laboratory regularly consults patient associations by organizing advisory committees and surveys aimed at evaluating the difficulties encountered in the course of care and measuring the impact of the disease on the quality of life of the patient and that of their loved ones.

  • Improve knowledge about the disease

Boehringer Ingelheim France offers a website: www.vivreaveclafpi.fr to better understand the disease with the possibility of subscribing to a monthly newsletter. Since September 2015, the laboratory has supported information meetings organized by the association Pierre Enjalran Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (APEFPI), the Reference Center and the Competence Centers for Rare Pulmonary Diseases. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the public about IPF, to help and support patients and their families. More recently, Boehringer Ingelheim France set up an awareness campaign aimed at the general public to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and thus contribute to improving the diagnosis of the disease, which is still too late.

  • Contribute to better care and quality of life

For example, Boehringer Ingelheim France supports OPALE, the first personalized program for patients treated for IPF in France, which was set up by the Association pour le Développement d’Initiatives en Santé (ADIIS) and Patientys. The laboratory has also developed “REIT & Me” an online program of adapted physical activity (APA).

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim develops innovative therapies to improve the lives of people and animals. As a research-driven biopharmaceutical company, we create value through innovation in areas where there are significant unmet medical needs. A family business since its creation in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim relies on a long-term vision. Nearly 52,000 employees work in more than 130 countries, in three activities: human health, animal health and biopharmaceutical manufacturing for third parties. For more information, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.fr.

Additional Media Channels:

Twitter: @boehringerFR
www.vivreaveclafpi.fr (general public site)
https://www.pneumocity.fr (site reserved for health professionals)

References

1) Cottin V, et al. Practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – 2017 update. Long version. Rev Mal Respir. 2017.





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