Conclusion : Systemic changes to academic and funding structures could better support eHealth tool availability and may reduce potential for research waste .
Abstract Introduction : Numerous eHealth tools for pain assessment and management have been developed and evaluated with promising results regarding psychometric properties , efficacy , and effectiveness .
Although considerable re sources are spent on developing and evaluating these tools with the aim of increasing access to care , current evidence suggests they are not made available to end users , reducing their impact and creating potential research waste .
Pain buddy: A novel use of m-health in the management of children's cancer pain
BACKGROUND Over 12,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States . In addition to symptoms associated with their disease , children undergoing chemotherapy  frequently experience significant pain , which is unfortunately often undertreated . The field of m-Health offers an innovative avenue for pain assessment and intervention in the home setting . The current study describes the development and initial evaluation of a tablet-based program , Pain Buddy , aim ed to enhance pain management and foster improved quality of life in children ages 8 - 18 years undergoing cancer treatment . METHODS An animated avatar-based tablet application was developed using state-of-the-art software . Key aspects of Pain Buddy include daily pain and symptom diaries completed by children , remote monitoring of symptoms by uploading patient 's data through internet to a cloud server , cognitive and behavioral skills training , interactive three-dimensional avatars that guide children through the program , and an incentive system to motivate engagement . Twelve children between the ages of 8 and 18 participated in a pilot study of Pain Buddy . RESULTS Children were highly satisfied with the program . Pain and appetite disturbances were most frequently endorsed . Symptom trigger alerts to outside providers were largely related to clinical ly significant pain . Children infrequently used analgesics , and reported using some non-pharmacological pain management strategies . CONCLUSION Pain Buddy appears to be a promising tool to improve pain and symptom management in children undergoing cancer treatment . Results from the current study will inform future improvements to Pain Buddy , in preparation for a r and omized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of this innovative treatment
Conclusion : Systemic changes to academic and funding structures could better support eHealth tool availability and may reduce potential for research waste .
Abstract Introduction : Numerous eHealth tools for pain assessment and management have been developed and evaluated with promising results regarding psychometric properties , efficacy , and effectiveness .
Although considerable re sources are spent on developing and evaluating these tools with the aim of increasing access to care , current evidence suggests they are not made available to end users , reducing their impact and creating potential research waste .