Data visualization as an intervention for pediatric chronic pain: a pilot feasibility study protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Digital Health Interventions
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Chronic pain significantly impacts youth, affecting daily activities and mental health.
• Pain perception is subjective, influenced by individual biases and meaning-making.
• Understanding symptom patterns is crucial for functional recovery in chronic pain conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a data visualization platform for youth with chronic pain.
• To compare symptom tracking via a visualization platform versus standard Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA).
• To explore how interacting with visualized data influences pain experience and self-management.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-center, open-label crossover trial involving 50 youth (12-18 years) with chronic pain.
• Participants used either EMA alone or EMA with a data visualization platform for 7 days, followed by the alternative condition after a washout period.
• Outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, EMA completion rates, and participant-reported barriers and benefits.

Main Results:

• The study protocol outlines the feasibility and pilot testing of a novel data visualization intervention.
• Key outcomes focus on participant-reported acceptability, feasibility, and engagement with the platform.
• Exploratory analyses will examine symptom patterns and potential improvements related to data visualization.

Conclusions:

• The visualized data approach has the potential to enhance self-management and symptom appraisal in youth with chronic pain.
• Findings will inform the rationale for a larger randomized controlled trial.
• This intervention could support clinical care for conditions requiring self-appraisal of symptom patterns.