The use of information and communication technology (ICT) for pain reporting in palliative care

Research aims

To conduct a systematic search of the literature documenting ICT systems used for pain management in palliative care patients with cancer.

Study design and methods

The review was undertaken in six stages: development of search strategy; generation of inclusion and exclusion criteria; assessment of relevance; data extraction and tabulation; overview of system characteristics; descriptive analysis.

Method of statistical analysis

Descriptive analysis focusing on outline of ICT system development, study design, content of system, modes of communication, and communication facilitation between patient and health professional.

Results

The search identified 1898 citations, 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles documented design and development of systems (e.g. user needs analysis) (n=10), interface and content design (n=4), and implementation (n=10). Different stages of development were reported for only one system. Study design included experimental with randomisation (n=4) and non-experimental (n=20). No consistency in assessment tool for capturing pain was identified. Systems focused on pain alone (n=6), pain and depression (n=2) or quality of life including pain (n=16). Technology devices used to interact with systems included landline, mobile phone, internet and handheld devices. All systems captured pain reports from patients; some (n=8) provided patients with feedback (e.g. educational materials).

Conclusions

ICT systems are emerging for pain management in palliative care. Published evidence on how systems are developed is limited. Few studies apply experimental designs. Lack of consensus around assessment tools continues to present a challenge for system development. The potential for patients and health professionals to utilise feedback remains underdeveloped.

The IMPACCT (Improving the Management of Pain from Advanced Cancer in the Community) project is funded by a Programme Grant from the National Institute for Health Research, UK.