Apple Apps for the Management of Pediatric Pain and Pain-Related Stress

Cognitive–behavioral and biobehavioral skills are the cornerstones of an effective pediatric psychology pain management plan, and routine practice of these skills is essential for mastery. Integrating engaging technology into clinical care has the potential to enhance outcomes by fostering practice and by making the home-based acquisition of empirically supported skills an easy and accessible process. The present study systematically reviewed 57 Apple applications (“apps”) targeting pediatric chronic pain and pain-related difficulties. Each app was independently rated in 4 different categories. The reading level of each app was then systematically assessed via software to determine the grade-level at which a child could be expected to understand instructions and applicability of the app. Apps were also coded into categories based on main function or utility. Nineteen apps were recommended based on a composite rating of “very good” or “excellent” in this systematic review. Although the majority of the apps in this review were developed by lay-professionals, target adult populations, and have not been subject to clinical research, a significant number of these apps appear to be well designed for adjunctive reinforcement of pediatric pain management skills. This study highlights 19 apps that may be clinically useful in pediatric chronic pain populations, but also notes the need for further research and the importance of exercising caution when using apps with pediatric patients. Additionally, this review found that many apps included a complex level of written content. Thus, providers may need to provide developmentally targeted instruction to pediatric patients to ensure comprehension.