A large randomized trial of 603 German patients is testing whether ADCompanion, a digital platform with training videos and optional video doctor visits, works as well as traditional in-person care for eczema. According to Gram Research analysis, data collection finished in June 2025 with final results expected in 2026. If successful, this digital approach could help millions of eczema patients in rural areas access specialist care without traveling.
Researchers are testing whether a digital platform called ADCompanion can help people with atopic dermatitis (a common itchy skin condition) just as well as traditional in-person care. The study involves 603 patients across Germany who either receive standard treatment plus access to the digital platform with training videos and optional video doctor visits, or standard care with a basic symptom-tracking app. According to Gram Research analysis, this trial will show whether digital care can reach people in rural areas who don’t have easy access to skin specialists. Results are expected in 2026 and could change how dermatologists treat eczema worldwide.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 603 patients across 7 German medical centers is testing whether digital interdisciplinary care for atopic dermatitis is noninferior to routine in-person care in reducing disease severity over 6 months.
The ADCompanion digital platform provides structured patient education through training modules and optional video consultations on skin care, nutrition, and psychosocial support, with data collection completed in June 2025 and final results expected in 2026.
The study measures primary outcomes using the SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index) score at 6 months, with secondary outcomes including quality of life, itch severity, psychological burden, family well-being, and healthcare costs.
Recruitment of all 603 participants was completed across 7 German medical centers, with data cleaning finalized and statistical analysis plan completed by February 2026, representing one of the first large-scale rigorous trials comparing digital interdisciplinary care to routine real-world care for atopic dermatitis.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a digital care platform with training videos and optional video consultations works as well as regular in-person doctor visits for treating atopic dermatitis (eczema).
- Who participated: 603 patients with eczema across 7 medical centers in Germany, divided into two groups based on age and how severe their skin condition was.
- Key finding: This is a protocol paper describing the study design, final results haven’t been published yet, but researchers completed data collection in June 2025 and expect to release findings in 2026.
- What it means for you: If the digital platform works as well as in-person care, people with eczema in remote areas or underserved communities could get professional guidance through their phones or computers instead of traveling long distances to see a dermatologist.
The Research Details
This is a randomized controlled trial, which is the gold standard for testing whether a new treatment works. Researchers randomly assigned 603 patients into two equal groups. One group received standard eczema treatment plus access to ADCompanion, a digital platform with educational videos about skin care, nutrition, and managing stress related to their condition, plus the option to have video consultations with doctors. The other group received routine care as normally available in their area (which might include in-person group classes if available) and a basic app just for tracking symptoms.
The study was carefully designed to compare “real-world” care. The control group didn’t receive a fake treatment, they got the actual care that patients normally receive, which makes the comparison more meaningful. Researchers tracked patients for 6 months and measured their skin condition using a standard scoring system that doctors use worldwide.
Patients were divided into groups based on age and how severe their eczema was to make sure both groups were similar at the start. This helps researchers know that any differences in results are due to the digital platform, not because one group had worse eczema to begin with.
Many people with eczema live in rural areas or places without easy access to dermatologists. Traveling for appointments is expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible. This study tests whether digital care can bridge that gap. If the app works just as well as in-person visits, it could help millions of people manage their eczema better without leaving home. The study also looks at costs, which matters for insurance companies and healthcare systems deciding whether to offer digital care.
This is a well-designed study with several strengths: it’s a randomized trial (the most reliable type), it includes a large number of participants (603), it compares digital care to real routine care rather than a fake treatment, and it was conducted across multiple medical centers in Germany, making results more generalizable. The study was completed and data was cleaned by February 2026, suggesting rigorous quality control. However, this is a protocol paper describing the study design, the actual results haven’t been published yet, so we don’t know the outcomes.
What the Results Show
This protocol paper describes the study design and methods rather than reporting final results. The researchers completed recruitment of all 603 participants, finished data collection in June 2025, and had completed data cleaning and finalized their statistical analysis plan as of February 2026. The primary outcome being measured is disease severity using the SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index) score at 6 months, which is a standard tool dermatologists use worldwide to assess how severe someone’s eczema is.
The study is designed as a ’noninferiority trial,’ which means researchers are testing whether the digital platform is not worse than routine care, not necessarily better. This is an important distinction because digital care might be slightly less effective than in-person visits but still valuable if it’s accessible to people who otherwise wouldn’t get treatment.
Secondary outcomes include how the digital platform affects quality of life, itching severity, emotional burden, family well-being, and healthcare costs. These measurements matter because eczema isn’t just about skin, it affects sleep, mental health, and family relationships.
Beyond skin severity, the study measures several important outcomes: how much patients itch (pruritus), which is often the most bothersome symptom; quality of life impacts; psychological burden (anxiety and depression related to eczema); how well family members cope; and the actual costs of healthcare. These secondary outcomes are crucial because treating eczema means addressing the whole person, not just the skin appearance.
Previous research shows that structured patient education improves eczema outcomes, but most programs require in-person attendance, which isn’t possible for rural patients. Some smaller studies suggest digital interventions might work, but this is the first large, rigorous trial comparing digital interdisciplinary care directly to routine real-world care. The study design is more rigorous than previous digital health studies because it compares to actual routine care rather than a control group receiving no treatment.
This protocol paper doesn’t report results yet, so we can’t discuss outcome limitations. However, potential limitations of the study design include: the study only includes German patients, so results might not apply to other countries with different healthcare systems; patients who can use digital platforms might be different from those who can’t (younger, more tech-savvy); and the ‘routine care’ control group varies by location, which reflects real-world practice but makes comparisons less standardized. The study measures outcomes at 6 months, so we don’t know about long-term effects beyond that timeframe.
The Bottom Line
Wait for the final results expected in 2026 before making decisions based on this study. This is a protocol paper, not a results paper. Once published, if ADCompanion proves noninferior to routine care, it could be recommended as an option for patients in underserved areas or those who prefer digital care. For now, people with eczema should continue working with their current healthcare providers.
This research matters most to: people with eczema living in rural or underserved areas without easy access to dermatologists; healthcare systems deciding how to deliver care efficiently; insurance companies evaluating cost-effectiveness; and dermatologists considering digital tools for their practices. It’s less immediately relevant to people with easy access to in-person specialist care, though they might benefit from the educational content.
The study measured outcomes over 6 months, so that’s the timeframe for seeing benefits if the digital platform works. However, eczema is a chronic condition, so longer-term follow-up would be valuable. Final results are expected in 2026, so real-world implementation wouldn’t happen until after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an app instead of seeing a dermatologist for my eczema?
A new study of 603 patients is testing whether a digital platform with video consultations works as well as in-person dermatology care. Results are expected in 2026. For now, continue seeing your dermatologist as recommended, but digital tools may become a helpful option for follow-up care or if you live far from specialists.
What is the ADCompanion app and how does it help eczema?
ADCompanion is a digital platform tested in a German study that provides educational videos about skin care routines, nutrition, and stress management for eczema patients. It also offers optional video consultations with doctors. The study is measuring whether this approach reduces eczema severity as effectively as traditional in-person care.
How long does it take to see improvement in eczema with digital care?
The ADCompanion study measured results over 6 months, which is a typical timeframe for assessing eczema treatment effectiveness. However, some patients may notice improvements in itching or sleep quality sooner. Final study results showing actual improvement rates are expected in 2026.
Is digital eczema care available now or do I have to wait?
This study is still in progress with results expected in 2026. Some digital eczema tools exist now, but ADCompanion specifically is being tested in this trial. Talk to your dermatologist about what digital options are currently available in your area.
Will insurance cover digital dermatology visits for eczema?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and location. This study measures healthcare costs to help insurance companies decide whether to cover digital care. Once results are published in 2026, insurance coverage decisions may change based on whether digital care proves effective and cost-efficient.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users could track their SCORAD score weekly (a simple 0-10 severity rating), daily itch intensity (1-10 scale), sleep quality affected by itching (hours slept), and visible skin affected (percentage of body). This mirrors what the study measures.
- The app could prompt users to complete weekly educational modules from ADCompanion about skin care routines, trigger identification, nutrition impacts, and stress management. Users could schedule optional video consultations with dermatologists or dermatology nurses through the app.
- Long-term tracking would involve monthly SCORAD assessments, continuous itch and sleep logging, quarterly quality-of-life surveys, and tracking healthcare visits/costs. Users could see trends over time and share data with their doctors during video consultations.
This article describes a research protocol for a clinical trial that is still in progress. Final results have not yet been published. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have atopic dermatitis or eczema, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider about appropriate treatment options for your specific situation. Do not make changes to your current eczema treatment based on this protocol paper alone. Always discuss any new treatments or digital health tools with your healthcare provider before use.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
