eHealth interventions for chronic pain: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Pain Management
• Evidence Synthesis

Background:

• Chronic pain is a widespread, debilitating condition requiring long-term management.
• eHealth interventions offer potential for improved access to care, education, and support for chronic pain patients.
• Current evidence on eHealth efficacy for chronic pain is inconsistent, necessitating a comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy of eHealth interventions for adults with chronic non-cancer pain.
• To compare various eHealth modalities using network meta-analysis to determine effective components.
• To assess impacts on pain severity, function, quality of life, mental health, adherence, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of eHealth interventions for chronic non-cancer pain.
• Network meta-analysis to compare different digital health modalities and intervention features.
• Cochrane guidelines for statistical analysis; Cochrane RoB 2.0 and GRADE for bias and certainty assessment.

Main Results:

• This section will present synthesized findings on the efficacy of various eHealth interventions.
• Identification of specific eHealth features associated with improved outcomes in chronic pain management.
• Evaluation of clinical, functional, psychological, adherence, and cost-related outcomes.

Conclusions:

• eHealth interventions present a viable avenue for enhancing chronic pain management strategies.
• Network meta-analysis will elucidate the most effective digital health approaches and components.
• Findings will guide evidence-based integration of digital health solutions for chronic pain care.