Benefits of Mobile Apps for Cancer Pain Management: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• Cancer pain is a growing concern, with increasing patient-reported pain ratings.
• Numerous mobile applications have been developed for cancer pain management.
• The effectiveness of these apps in alleviating cancer pain remains largely unverified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the role and effectiveness of mobile applications in managing cancer pain.
• To assess the impact of specific app features, like instant messaging, on pain reduction.
• To gauge patient satisfaction with mobile app interventions for cancer pain.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO) for studies published before August 2019.
• A meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other study designs (total 13 studies) was performed to evaluate app efficacy.
• Data analysis included pain scores, adverse drug reactions, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life, utilizing RevMan5.3 and R Statistical Software.

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis of RCTs indicated that mobile apps significantly reduce pain scores (mean difference [MD]=-0.50).
• Apps incorporating an instant messaging module demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores (MD=-0.67).
• Apps without instant messaging did not show a significant pain reduction (MD=0.30), and patients reported high satisfaction with app usage.

Conclusions:

• Mobile apps, particularly those with instant messaging, are effective in reducing pain scores for patients with cancer-related pain.
• High patient satisfaction suggests significant acceptance and potential for these digital health tools.
• The inclusion of an instant messaging module appears to be a critical factor in the efficacy of apps for cancer pain management.