Technology, Health Tools, and the Older Patient

There has been a rise in interest in remotely assessing and monitoring pain and associated symptoms, such as fatigue, as well as in the use of electronic health (eHealth) technology designed to support individuals in making lifestyle changes needed to improve pain management. Consumer demand for remote assessment programs, health apps, and sensors has far outpaced the science needed to understand their benefits and impact. For persons with chronic pain and providers who treat them, assessment programs, mobile apps, and activity monitors can help encourage behavioral change including symptom monitoring, education, reinforcement of positive behaviors, and as tools to enhance patient-provider communication. Dr. Reid discusses what works with this technology, and what to be aware of.