Analytical study on Feasibility, Fidelity, Implementation cost, Demand and chronic pain outcomes associated with digital health interventions during COVID-19 in Australia regional health

Abstract

Background: In Australia, up to 80% chronic pain patients miss effective treatments especially in regional areas. Digital health interventions (DHIs) - mHealth, Telehealth and syringe drivers can provide both intervention and strategic access solution to these patients in the multi-model-analgesic and biopsychosocial clinical modalities. New South Wales’ Australia digital inclusion index (ADII) score is 61.8 compared to the national average 61.9. Successful pain control depends on both these DHIs successful implementation and effectiveness - such evidence is lacking. Moreover, there is no evidence on the association between their implementation and chronic pain control outcome at a population level. 

Aims: This research will identify requisite necessities to the DHIs implementation process to attain chronic pain control during the pandemic and beyond.

Methods: This is a two episodic three-monthly survey of randomly sampled New South Wales regional hospitals and purposively sampled clinicians, patients utilising atleast one DHI and their carers. A Modified Consolidated framework for Implementation Research will guide measurement for Feasibility, Fidelity, Implementation cost, Demand and pain outcomes. A chi-square test for independence and P-values at 95% Confidence interval will be calculated.  

Results: None, It’s a proposed capstone project for a master of digital health at the University of Sydney.

Conclusions: In regional populations with high ADII score, successful implementation of the three DHIs may effectively control chronic pain in a multi-model-analgesic and biopsychosocial clinical modalities.