Systematic evaluation of commercially available pain management apps examining behavior change techniques

Gamwell, Kaitlyn L.; Kollin, Sophie R.; Gibler, Robert C.; Bedree, Helen; Bieniak, Keely H; Jagpal, Anjana; Tran, Susan T.; Hommel, Kevin A.; Ramsey, Rachelle R.

doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002090

Cited by 22 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…First, the term “headache” was searched for in the Apple App and Google Play stores. A list of the first 25 apps for each of the searches was recorded given that previous reviews have estimated that a typical consumer considers, at most, the first 25 results when searching for an app (19,25,26). The second term “migraine” was searched for in the Apple App and Google Play stores, and the first 25 apps from each of the searches was recorded.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic evaluation of primary headache management apps leveraging behavior change techniques

et al. 2021

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Background Mobile health apps have the potential to promote adherence to headache management through the use of evidence-based behavior change techniques (e.g., self-monitoring). While many headache management apps exist, the extent to which these apps include behavior change techniques remains unknown. Thus, the present study systematically evaluated the content and quality of commercially available headache management apps. Methods Headache apps were identified using a systematic search in the Apple App and Google Play stores. A total of 55 apps were evaluated using the taxonomy of behavior change techniques and app quality using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Results Headache management apps included 0–14 behavior change techniques (Mean [M] = 5.89) and 0–8 headache management behavior change techniques (M = 4.29). App quality ranged from 2.84–4.67 (M = 3.73) out of 5.00. Three apps, Migraine Trainer, Easeday: Headache & Migraine, and PainScale, included the highest number of overall and headache management behavior change techniques along with good quality scores. Conclusions While randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of individual headache apps, most existing apps include evidence-based headache management behavior change techniques. Headache apps often focus on either self-monitoring or stress management via relaxation training, suggesting that patients’ needs should be used to inform app selection.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic evaluation of primary headache management apps leveraging behavior change techniques

et al. 2021

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“…Additional research is needed to identify standalone digital interventions that are efficacious for youth with migraine. Although myriad mobile headache management apps are available for public use, the vast majority do not incorporate evidence-based behavior change techniques and headache self-management strategies and have not been tested in randomized controlled trials [ 39 ]. Recently, Hommel and colleagues [ 40 ••] developed Migraine Manager, a smartphone app which includes migraine-specific self-management strategies in addition to generalized evidence-based coping skills.…”

Section: Where To Go From Here: Optimizing and Increasing The Accessibility Of Psychological Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Headache Disorders: A 2021 Update on Research Progress and Needs

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Gibler

Reidy

et al. 2022

Curr Pain Headache Rep

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Purpose of Review This review summarizes key findings from recent investigations of psychological interventions for pediatric headache disorders and discusses important avenues for future research. Recent Findings Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing headache days among youth with chronic headache. There is mixed evidence for the benefit of CBT on reducing disability associated with migraine, suggesting that there is room to optimize CBT by leveraging complementary or alternative psychological interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches. Tailoring CBT may be especially important for youth with more impairing or complex clinical presentations, such as those with continuous headache. Using eHealth and novel study designs to expand access to and dissemination of psychological interventions is promising. Summary Although CBT is the gold standard psychological treatment for youth with migraine, we are only beginning to understand how and why it is effective. Other promising psychological treatments are available, and studies are beginning to examine how CBT can be optimized to fit the unique needs of each patient. Improving access and equitability of care for youth with migraine will require tailoring psychological treatments for patients with varying headache presentations and youth from a variety of cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

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“…Remote patient monitoring is proposed as a tool to facilitate communication between patient and health care provider in order to improve timeliness, patient autonomy, and quality of care [22][23][24], and pain monitoring is common in pain management apps [8,9]. However, in the case of LBP there is still not much evidence to guide a response to changes in pain reporting, although the field of remote monitoring and telemedicine is also expanding for LBP management [25,26] and intelligent decision support systems are being developed [27].…”

Section: Implications For Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Self-monitoring of pain has become easily available and was an integrated feature in 11 out of 19 and 14 out of 28 pain management apps identified in two recent reviews [8,9]. This awareness of pain might be helpful for people to understand the variation over time and reflect on how the pain relates to other aspects of life [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of weekly pain monitoring on back pain outcomes: a non-randomised controlled study

et al. 2021

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Background Disease monitoring is an important element of self-management of several chronic diseases. Pain monitoring has become very easily available, but the role in musculoskeletal pain conditions is not clear. Awareness of pain might be helpful for people to understand pain, but focusing on pain may on the contrary negatively affect pain experience and behaviours. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential impact of pain monitoring on low back pain (LBP), specifically to determine if pain intensity, activity limitation and pain control, differed between patients with weekly pain monitoring over 12 months and patients with follow-ups at 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months. Methods This was a non-randomised controlled study embedded in a cohort study with data collection November 1st 2016 to December 21st 2018. Adults seeking care for LBP were enrolled at the first visit to a chiropractor and followed with surveys after 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months. Those enrolled first, n = 1,623, furthermore received weekly SMS-questions about pain frequency and pain intensity, whereas those enrolled next was the control group, n = 1,269 followed only by surveys. Outcomes at 12-months were compared, adjusting for group differences on baseline parameters. Results LBP intensity (0–10) was slightly lower at 12-months follow-up in the SMS group than the control group (adjusted beta − 0.40 (95% CI: − 0.62; − 0.19)). No relevant between-group differences were observed for activity limitation (0–100) (1.51 (95% CI: − 0.83; 3.85)) or ability to control pain (0–10) (− 0.08 (95% CI − 0.31; 0.15)). Conclusions Frequent pain monitoring did not demonstrate any negative effects of weekly pain monitoring, and it was perhaps even helpful. The role of self-monitoring as part of self-managing LBP should be explored further including optimal frequencies, formats, and methods for feedback. Trial registration The study was not registered as a clinical trial.

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Systematic evaluation of commercially available pain management apps examining behavior change techniques

Cited by 22 publications

References 27 publications

A systematic evaluation of primary headache management apps leveraging behavior change techniques

A systematic evaluation of primary headache management apps leveraging behavior change techniques

Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Headache Disorders: A 2021 Update on Research Progress and Needs

Effects of weekly pain monitoring on back pain outcomes: a non-randomised controlled study

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