Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Nov 14, 2019
Date Accepted: Dec 15, 2019
The benefits of applications in cancer pain management: A meta-analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
The rate of pain reported by patients with cancer continues to increase, and numerous computer and phone applications (apps) for managing cancer-related pain have been developed recently; however, whether these apps effectively alleviate patients’ pain remains unknown.
Objective:
To comprehensively evaluate the role of mobile applications (apps) in the treatment of cancer pain.
Methods:
Literature on the use of apps for cancer pain management and interventions, published before August 2019, was retrieved from databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO. The effects of apps on cancer pain improvement and adverse drug reaction rates were evaluated by RevMan5.3 software.
Results:
A total of 13 studies including five random controlled trials (RCTs), four before-after studies (BASs), two single-arm trials, one prospective cohort study, and one prospective descriptive study were selected for the analysis. Five RCTs reported on a total of 487 patients: 240 patients in the intervention group and 247 patients in the control group, and other studies reported on 428 patients. We conducted a meta-analysis of the RCTs. According to the meta-analysis, apps can significantly reduce a patient's pain score (MD=-0.50, 95% CI [-0.94, -0.07], I2=62%, P=0.02). We then used apps that have an instant messaging module for subgroup analysis; these apps were able to significantly reduce the pain score of patients with cancer-related pain (MD=-0.67, 95% CI [-1.06, -0.28], I2=57%, P<0.01). Patients using apps without an instant messaging module did not see a reduction in the pain score (MD=0.30, 95% CI [-1.31, 1.92], I2=70% P=0.71). Overall, patients reported higher satisfaction with apps than without. Other outcomes, such as pain catastrophizing or quality of life, were improved in patients using apps with instant messaging modules compared to patients not using an app.
Conclusions:
The use of apps with instant messaging modules is associated with reduced pain scores in patients with cancer-related pain, and patient acceptance of these apps is high. Apps without instant messaging modules are associated with relatively higher pain scores. The presence of an instant messaging module may be a key factor affecting the effect of an app on cancer pain intervention.
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