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Published in:

04-01-2024 | Telemedicine | Chronic Pain Medicine (O Viswanath, Section Editor)

Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review

Authors: Ivo H. Cerda, Alexandra Therond, Sacha Moreau, Kachina Studer, Aleksy R. Donjow, Jason E. Crowther, Maria Emilia Mazzolenis, Min Lang, Reda Tolba, Christopher Gilligan, Sait Ashina, Alan D. Kaye, R. Jason Yong, Michael E. Schatman, Christopher L. Robinson

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides medical practitioners with an overview of the present and emergent roles of telehealth and associated virtual reality (VR) applications in chronic pain (CP) management, particularly in the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape.

Recent Findings

Accumulated evidence points to the efficacy of now well-established telehealth modalities, such as videoconferencing, short messaging service (SMS), and mobile health (mHealth) applications in complementing remote CP care. More recently, and although still in early phases of clinical implementation, a wide range of VR-based interventions have demonstrated potential for improving the asynchronous remote management of CP. Additionally, VR-associated technologies at the leading edge of science and engineering, such as VR-assisted biofeedback, haptic technology, high-definition three-dimensional (HD3D) conferencing, VR-enabled interactions in a Metaverse, and the use of wearable monitoring devices, herald a new era for remote, synchronous patient-physician interactions. These advancements hold the potential to facilitate remote physical examinations, personalized remote care, and innovative interventions such as ultra-realistic biofeedback. Despite the promise of VR-associated technologies, several limitations remain, including the paucity of robust long-term effectiveness data, heterogeneity of reported pain-related outcomes, challenges with scalability and insurance coverage, and demographic-specific barriers to patient acceptability. Future research efforts should be directed toward mitigating these limitations to facilitate the integration of telehealth-associated VR into the conventional management of CP.

Summary

Despite ongoing barriers to widespread adoption, recent evidence suggests that VR-based interventions hold an increasing potential to complement and enhance the remote delivery of CP care.

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Title: Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ivo H. Cerda
Alexandra Therond
Sacha Moreau
Kachina Studer
Aleksy R. Donjow
Jason E. Crowther
Maria Emilia Mazzolenis
Min Lang
Reda Tolba
Christopher Gilligan
Sait Ashina
Alan D. Kaye
R. Jason Yong
Michael E. Schatman
Christopher L. Robinson
Publication date: 04-01-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Telemedicine
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01205-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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