Selection and reporting of outcome measures used in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain: A scoping review.

The aim of this review was to determine the range of outcomes reported in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain. Using a scoping review methodology, a systematic search for studies reporting outcomes in children and adolescents with chronic pain over a ≥12 month period was undertaken. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included children and adolescents (≤18 years old on study enrolment) with chronic pain, and outcomes were followed up for ≥12 months. Overall, 42 studies investigating more than 24,132 children were included in the review. Studies assessed a total of 187 unique outcome measures within the broader measures of pain (38 studies; 90%), function (33 studies; 79%) and other (21 studies; 50%). Unidimensional assessments of the severity or presence of pain and global assessments of function were the most commonly reported outcome measures. The number of study follow-up points ranged from 1 to 5, with mode duration of follow-up 12 months post intervention (25 studies; 60%; range 1-13 years). Overall, we identified a wide range of reported outcome measures in studies of children with chronic pain. Beyond assessments of pain intensity and global function, there is little consistency, and reporting of developmental outcome measures is poor. Further long-term outcome research in this population is needed.

myPainPal: Co-creation of a mHealth app for the management of chronic pain in young people.

Chronic pain is common in young people aged 10-14 years. Interdisciplinary, clinician-delivered treatments, while effective, are often criticized for failing to be readily accessible. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have been proposed as effective treatment adjuncts that address these challenges, while meeting the needs of tech-savvy young people. The objectives of this study were to co-create a mHealth app with consumers and health care professionals and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the resulting mHealth app (myPainPal). A phased, qualitative approach within a consumer engagement framework was employed. Interviews with young people (n = 14), parents (n = 12) and health care professionals (n = 8) identified key health needs that formed the underlying structure of the myPainPal app. Testing showed that the app is an acceptable and feasible platform to facilitate young people's self-management of chronic pain. The myPainPal app has the potential to positively influence young people's experiences of chronic pain. Further testing in controlled settings is required.

mHealth Applications for Children and Young People With Persistent Pain: A Scoping Review.

Persistent pain is a global health care issue affecting more than 30% of children and young people. mHealth applications delivered using smartphones, are an innovative method to engage children in pain self-management. This article outlines the evidence concerning the development, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth apps for these children in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and impact on important pain outcomes such as quality of life and health care utilization.