Incorporation of “Artificial Intelligence” for Objective Pain Assessment: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Pain is a significant health issue, and pain assessment is essential for proper diagnosis, follow-up, and effective management of pain. The conventional methods of pain assessment often suffer from subjectivity and variability. The main issue is to understand better how people experience pain. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been playing a growing role in improving clinical diagnosis and decision-making. The application of AI offers promising opportunities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pain assessment. This review article provides an overview of the current state of AI in pain assessment and explores its potential for improving accuracy, efficiency, and personalized care. By examining the existing literature, research gaps, and future directions, this article aims to guide further advancements in the field of pain management. An online database search was conducted via multiple websites to identify the relevant articles. The inclusion criteria were English articles published between January 2014 and January 2024). Articles that were available as full text clinical trials, observational studies, review articles, systemic reviews, and meta-analyses were included in this review. The exclusion criteria were articles that were not in the English language, not available as free full text, those involving pediatric patients, case reports, and editorials. A total of (47) articles were included in this review. In conclusion, the application of AI in pain management could present promising solutions for pain assessment. AI can potentially increase the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of objective pain assessment.

Innovative Applications of Telemedicine and Other Digital Health Solutions in Pain Management: A Literature Review

“…A new era of online applications has replaced the classical paperwork [102]. This applies to all documentation, appointments, scheduling, and certificates (e.g., medical reports and sick leaves [49].…”

“…These have been applied to various conditions and indications, including patient peer-to-peer support, to share coping strategies and health advice related to their condition [ 48 ]. Virtual Reality (VR) This offers opportunities to personalize pain management interventions for individuals with chronic pain [ 13 , 49 ]. VR-based interventions have shown promise in enhancing asynchronous remote management of chronic pain.…”

“…VR uses 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional technology, allowing patients and providers to access and interact within a “virtual world.” VR requires multisensory input to create this world. Existing studies have shown promising results of implementing VR in reducing pain intensity and distress, but more evidence is needed to understand the sustained impact of VR interventions on chronic pain management [ 13 , 49 ]. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an applied VR app called RelieVR for treating back pain [ 50 , 51 ].…”

“…Recent advances in AI employing deep learning have resulted in a paradigm shift in advanced medical care. Telemedicine platforms that can be coupled with automated algorithms incorporating AI and big data analytics will further revolutionize the growing field of pain diagnosis and treatment [ 49 , 53 ]. Chat Bots ‘Chat bots’ are computer programs that simulate human conversation, written or spoken.…”

“…Virtual Reality (VR) This offers opportunities to personalize pain management interventions for individuals with chronic pain [ 13 , 49 ]. VR-based interventions have shown promise in enhancing asynchronous remote management of chronic pain.…”