Integration of Mobile Health Technology in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Critical Review

Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2017 Jul/Aug;42(4):488-498. doi: 10.1097/AAP.0000000000000621.

Abstract

This article provides a critical overview and best-evidence synthesis of the use of mobile health (mHealth) technology among persons with chronic pain and their health care providers and examines the future benefits and barriers of implementing mHealth technology in clinical care. We critically review articles about electronic pain diaries, pain assessment programs, text messaging, and smartphone pain apps for management of persons with pain. Also presented are findings on the utility of activity trackers and use of telehealth to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy. Finally, barriers, study gaps, and future challenges of incorporating mobile technology for chronic pain are discussed. Although the future of mHealth technology and telemedicine in clinical practice is promising, this critical review highlights the need for rigorous studies to establish an association of the use of mHealth technology with improved quality of life, functional autonomy, and decreased hospital use.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Pain / diagnosis
  • Chronic Pain / psychology
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications / statistics & numerical data
  • Mobile Applications / trends
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Management / trends
  • Smartphone / statistics & numerical data
  • Smartphone / trends
  • Telemedicine / methods*
  • Telemedicine / statistics & numerical data
  • Telemedicine / trends
  • Treatment Outcome