Use of the InSight Joint Health tool to support long-term joint health: 3-year experience

Introduction Despite significant improvements in haemophilia treatment, patients with haemophilia still develop joint disease [ 1 ]. Recurrent bleeding in synovial joint can lead to chronic synovitis and degenerative arthritis, which are major causes of morbidity [ 2 ]. Acute and chronic joint pain are common, limiting activity and resulting in decreased health-related quality of life [ 3 ]. Current therapeutic options have shifted treatment goals from life-threatening bleeding prevention to joint health preservation and quality of life amelioration [ 4 ]. Evidence suggests that factor VIII (FVIII) activity levels of up to 50% may be needed to achieve a near-zero joint bleed rate [ 5 ]. In order to prevent bleeds and microbleeds, the appropriate therapy and medication adherence should be considered. To raise awareness and support physician and patient education, the inSight Joint Health tool has been developed. Method The inSight Joint Health tool employs immersive 3D models, detailed animated videos, medical imaging, and informative messaging about joint health in haemophilia. The user interface and navigation have been developed with guidance from healthcare professionals (HCPs) and includes different sections explaining the pathophysiology of clinical/subclinical bleeds and provides guidance on long-term joint health preservation. The latest version includes the knee, ankle, and since 2024 the elbow joint. In addition to the German version, the tool has been launched 17 countries. Results 3-year experience in Germany proves interest from physicians, which can be derived from the frequency of downloads, especially after the tool has been presented e.g. in educational sessions. Physicians reported the tool to be useful for for the education of students and doctors in training. They also rated the use of the in Sight Joint Health tool for facilitating patient communication as good to very good. The tool can help to support the shared decision making process in haemophilia treatment described by the World Federation of Hemophilia [ 6 ]. In 2024, the tool has won an award in the UK. Conclusion Our 3-year experiences confirm, that the inSight Joint Health tool supports physician-patient interactions and enhances communication. The tool might contribute to improved patient adherence to therapy; physicians may be better equipped to review therapy goals with respect to optimized long-term joint health. This and similar tools can support personalized treatment strategies and reinforce the importance of and encourage confidence in the regular administration of prophylactic therapy. Helpful communication tools may include verbal and written information delivered by HCPs, peers, and interactive media [ 7 ]. Therapeutic decisions should take into consideration individual risk factors for the onset and progression of arthropathy, and patients should ideally be cared for by multidisciplinary teams of hematologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physiotherapists at comprehensive hemophilia treatment centers [ 8 ]. Publication History Article published online: 17 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany